Hockhams chasing elusive silverware

PROMINENT owners Pam and Russell Hockham hope their top pacer Shadow Sax can return to the winners’ circle on Saturday night.

Along with the obvious reason for wanting the son of Shadow Play win, the Hockhams are chasing their dream of owning a certain piece of silverware.

No strangers to securing feature races, the Hockhams particularly want the Cranbourne Cup in their trophy cabinet given the Group Two is their home town’s flagship event.

“We’ve had a couple of runners in the Cup, but haven’t been lucky enough to win it,” Pam said. “The closest we have come is Sheffield Mark finishing second and that was 20 years ago.

“We missed the races in Sydney to set him for this, so with a bit of luck, this could be our year.”

Beginning the season with seven consecutive wins, including last month’s South Australia Cup, Shadow Sax then finished third in the Ballarat Cup before tailing the field in the Hunter Cup four weeks ago.

Given a freshen up following his Melton appearance, the Emma Stewart-trained gelding is in perfect condition to regain winning form according to Hockham.

Shadow Sax has drawn barrier four, which has seen him listed at $5, with San Carlo the $3.20 from gate five.

“He had a bit of a break after the Hunter Cup, which has brightened him right up,” Hockham said. “Emma and Clayton are happy with him and have him ready to run another good race.

“It’s not going to be easy, but he is good enough to win, now we’ll just hope he gets the right run on the night.”