In search of more interstate riches

PROMINENT horseman Greg Scholefield will head interstate in search of more cup glory this weekend.

No stranger to crossing into Victoria from his South Australian base, Scholefield enjoyed a solid rate of cup success on the other side of the border with former stable star Emain Macha.

Having found what appears to be the ideal replacement in promising pacer Stratofortress, Scholefield is poised to contest Sunday’s Ouyen Cup.

Stratofortress was runner-up in the Boort Cup two starts ago before capturing Gawler’s flagship event during his most recent outing.

Kept fresh during the past fortnight, the son of Art Major is in “perfect condition” ahead of the provincial feature according to Scholefield.

“I couldn’t be happier with him,” Scholefield said. “His record has been strong since he made his debut, but I have been particularly happy with the way he has stepped up this season.

“I gave him a few light days after Gawler and his work has been as strong as ever…he’s in perfection condition for Sunday.”

To be driven by champion horsewoman Kerryn Manning, Stratofortress has drawn the inside of the second row.

Despite his difficult draw the five-year-old is a $3.50 favourite.

“Not the best draw, but he is going well enough to overcome it,” Scholefield said.

Closer to home, Scholefield will tackle tonight’s Mount Gambier Gold Cup heat with Dont Need An Excuse.

Boasting two wins and a fourth from his last three starts, Dont Need An Excuse is a $2.50 favourite from the outside of the front row.

“It’s a bit strange running a heat of the Cup when there is only one heat and only those in the heat can be in the Cup next week,” Scholefield said.

“But it is what it is and we’re going around.

“I’m very happy with him and expect him to be very hard to beat.”