Plans uncertain despite Cup success

GIVEN his tendency to get “bully” it is yet to be decided if Julius Shadow will continue to follow the South Australian country cups trail.

Although she has set her sights on the circuit’s finale in Port Pirie on April 15, trainer Rebecca East is reluctant to contest the provincial features during the interim.

Julius Shadow made a case for a berth in the $25,000 decider by capturing the Mount Gambier Cup on Saturday night.

The final field will be decided on points accrued during the series, with preference given to competitors which have accepted for two or more qualifying races.

“He is still a stallion and can get a bit bully, so I don’t like travelling too far with him,” East said. “If he can make it into the Port Pirie Cup with just his win from Saturday night, that would be ideal.

“At this stage I will head back to Melton to find a suitable race for him, but if I have to chase another of the cups, I probably will.”

Driven by Jackie Barker during his latest triumph, Julius Shadow began quickly to lead from barrier five as last weekend’s Strathalbyn Cup winning, Dancing Finn, worked overtime in the ‘death seat’.

Fending off the initial challenge leaving the back, Julius Shadow had to dig deep along the home straight to score by a neck from Aladdin along the sprint lane.

Modern Bliss was 11 metres away third in 1:59.1 over 2190 metres.

“I was very confident before the race as he’s been racing quite well in Victoria in stronger company without luck,” East said.

“He goes well in front, and has won a couple of times when leading, so I felt he would be hard to beat once he got to the top.

“He did get a little keen when Jackie buzzed him off the gate, but he came back to her which was good and is what made the difference at the end.”