Oxford University cox Nick Brodie hopes to make it third time lucky by steering the Dark Blues to victory in the historic contest from Putney to Mortlake tomorrow.

For the past two years, the former world junior gold and silver medallist who attended Abingdon School, has been tipped to take part in the Boat Race, only to be overlooked.

Indeed last year, he was actually nominated in the Dark Blue boat.

However three weeks before the race, coach Sean Bowden announced that the more experienced Seb Pearce would move into the Blue Boat.

Oxford went on to win against the odds, but that was of little consolation to Brodie, who coxed Isis in their defeat by Goldie in the battle of the reserve crews.

"That was pretty horrific, but I just had to deal with it," said the 20-year-old, who lives in the village of Bourton, near Shrivenham.

"After my past disappointments, it will be all the sweeter to be part of a winning crew this year."

Brodie paid tribute to Abingdon School's coach Mike Martin, who got him started in the sport as a 13-yearold Brodie said that he owed a great debt of gratitude to Martin and the set-up at Abingdon School.

"Without Mike Martin and all at the school's Boat Club I would not be where I am today."

So what of Oxford's chances, as they are regarded as underdogs against a very strong Cambridge crew.

"It was the same last year, but we went on to win.

"We have a habit of timing our preparation just right, so that we hit our peak on the very day, so I'm confident we will win again."

Brodie also has the edge of experience on his opposite number Rebecca Dowbiggen, who was only brought into the crew last week.

"She has been coxing for only three years, while I've been doing it since I was 13, so I should have an edge.

"But it is the rest of the crew who will take us to victory."

Brodie, who has been invited to trials for the British Under 23 crew, is not sure about his future in the sport.

"After the pressure of the last few months I just want to have a few months off and go travelling with friends once the Boat Race is over," he added.

At the moment he is focused just on guiding Oxford to victory.