Reigning champ’s tough task

REIGNING champion Springfield Affair has been afforded no favours ahead of his title defence this weekend.

Successful in last season’s Port Pirie Cup, Springfield Affair will attempt to retain the crown on Saturday night.

To trainer Kevin Von Duve’s dismay, however, the son of Shadow Play has drawn awkwardly in barrier five.

“It’s not an ideal draw,” Von Duve said. “I would have preferred he was closer to the inside.

“The saving grace is the race is over 2530 metres, so it gives them plenty of time to sort each other out.

“He is feeling good and is ready to go, now it is up to Michael (Smith, driver) to figure out the rest on the night.”

Citing Lord Zarias as the one to beat from barrier three, Von Duve is also wary of Artillery despite the gelding drawing the outside of the front row.

Artillery won last month’s Kadina Cup in Port Pirie for trainer Paul Cavallaro.

“There is plenty of form in the race, but Lord Zarias caught the eye last week, and after three runs back from a spell, will be at his peak,” Von Duve said.

“Artillery is racing in strong form and certainly can’t be taken lightly even from that draw.

“It’s definitely one of those races that will come down to which one gets the most luck.”