Artillery ready to fire

TALENTED freshman Artillery has drawn to return to the winners’ circle at Globe Derby tomorrow night.

Among the placings during his last two starts, Artillery is favoured to lead throughout the Lordship Stake from the pole.

Pleased with the two-year-old’s progress, trainer Paul Cavallaro is positive the gelding can capture the feature.

“He is feeling great after four starts back and is right next to his peak,” Cavallaro said.

“With the Southern Cross in a few weeks’ time his main aim I don’t want him peaking too soon, but he’s in pretty good shape.

“He’s pretty much where I want him to be and from that draw he’s going to be hard to run down.”

To be driven by Mark Billinger, Artillery is listed as the $2.20 favourite, with Soho Bob considered his biggest threat at $3.50.

Fourth upon debut, Soho Bob has been ultra-consistent with three wins and five placings from his eight subsequent starts.

“Soho Bob is the one to beat,” Cavallaro said. “It’s a small but handy field, so you never know what might happen.”

By Art Major from Tessace, Artillery is a brother to top pacer Culture King, which is set to return from a spell at Newcastle tonight.

Culture King hasn’t raced since his unplaced effort at Albion Park on August 8.

The four-year-old won his three previous starts.

Beginning his career with Cavallaro, Culture King was transferred to New South Wales horseman Craig Cross in Janaury.

Culture King and Artillery are raced largely by the same owners, including Cavallaro.

“By all reports he has done well during his time off and should do a good job first-up,” Cavallaro said. “It will be good to have him back.

“Hopefully he can kick off the weekend with a win tonight and his little brother can follow suit tomorrow night.”