Top pacer back home for local major

TOP pacer Culture King has returned to South Australia as connections set their sights on a major hometown victory.

Prepared by prominent horseman Paul Cavallaro, Culture King was transferred to Craig Cross early last year.

Making a winning debut for the premier New South Wales trainer in January, Culture King made a solid transition through the grades as he competed in each of the eastern seaboard states.

Missing his final target of the season – last month’s Vicbred Super Series – due to illness, Culture King has returned to Cavallaro’s care.

“Unfortunately he missed the Sires’ after he got sick,” Cavallaro said. “It was disappointing, but that’s how it can go with horses.

“He’s had a few weeks off to get over it and seems to be pretty bright within himself.”

Set to resume work next week, the son of Art Major will be primed for the Pacing Cup, which is due to be conducted at Globe Derby on April 17.

It’s been more than two decades since a local runner won the time-honoured event.

“He’ll start working up again on Monday,” Cavallaro said. “All going well he should be racing again by March and get a couple of runs under his belt before the Cup.”

Cavallaro also prepares Culture King’s younger brother, Artillery, which returned from a break yesterday.

Artillery was given a month off after capturing the Southern Cross Final at Globe Derby.

“It’s good to have them both back at the stable and getting ready to go,” Cavallaro said. “Hopefully they can keep doing a good job when they start racing again.”