Cup winner heading interstate

ANOTHER interstate trip is on the cards for well-performed pacer Dhaulagiri.

Following the gelding’s success in yesterday’s Boort Pacing Cup, trainer Matthew Horsnell revealed he is considering heading to South Australia for Sunday’s Kupunda Cup.

Dhaulagiri is no stranger to success across the border, having scored at Globe Derby last December.

“At this stage I’m looking at going over for the Kapunda Cup,” Horsnell said. “He has pulled up in great shape and will enjoy the conditions over there.

“I’ll definitely nominate him and see how he is over the next couple of days.

“But it is pretty close to certain he will make the trip.”

As for his latest victory, Dhaulagiri was given time to settle in his stride from his second row draw before Lochie Cook sent the son of American Ideal forward to test the leader, Merrywood Paul, from the ‘death seat’.

Forging his way to the front around the final bend, Dhaulagiri dashed to a nine-metre win from Shadow Celt, with Neatntidy two-and-a-half metres away third.

“That was a top run from him,” Horsnell said. “He’s done all the work and still hit the line strongly.

“I’ve had him for 12 months, but in the last month or so, I’ve learned more about him as he’s become more versatile.”

Rating 2:02.9 over 2612 metres, the nine-year-old added to the St Arnaud Cup he captured last November.