Classy youngster strengthens grip on Final

CLASSY youngster Artillery took a major step towards achieving his main aim for the season with a soft win at Globe Derby last night.

Earmarking the Southern Cross as the two-year-old’s primary target for the term, trainer Paul Cavallaro was pleased to see Artillery capture his heat.

As such the son of Art Major has tightened as the pre-draw favourite for the Group Two decider.

“I was pretty impressed with his run,” Cavallaro said. “Although he never ran a quick time, he did it well within himself.

“What made it even better is the fact he had a setback between his last start and the heat so there is room for improvement from the run.

“I’ve got no doubt with that start under his belt and some extra work this week he will be tighter for the Final next Saturday night.”

Driven by Mark Billinger, Artillery led throughout from the pole to complete a two-and-a-half metre win from Blacktop Rock, with Persius two metres away third.

Taking his record to five wins and four placings from nine starts, the gelding rated 2:02.1 over 1800 metres, with his time 1.4 seconds slower than Springfield Affair in the following qualifier.

With Gaita Pullicino in the cart, Springfield Affair enjoyed a one-one trail before scoring from Major Reason and Sunshineinparadise.

Prepared by Kevin Von Duve, the son of Shadow Play took his record to two wins and six placings from 13 starts.

“You’ve got to give respect to Springfield Affair and consider him the main danger on his heat win,” Cavallaro said.