We’ll give him every chance to reach that potential

HAVING travelled down the same path with his older brother, managing owner Paul Cavallaro has no doubt sending rising star Artillery interstate was the right decision.

Cavallaro heads the syndicate that owns well-credentialed pacer Culture King, which began his career in the South Australian horseman’s care before being sent to New South Wales.

Joining ‘Team McCarthy’, Culture King made a smooth transition through the grades before returning to Cavallaro’s stable.

“He won a little over $30,000 from 20 starts for me in South Australia and nearly $85,000 at his next 20 starts after we sent him to New South Wales,” Cavallaro said.

“Unfortunately he got sick to the point he nearly died, but he did very well for us during his time there.

“He’s had a nice long break and is just starting to get going again.”

After training Artillery during his two and three-year-old seasons, Cavallaro made the decision to send the son of Art Major to Belinda McCarthy last January.

Under the premiership winning horsewoman’s guidance Artillery has had four starts for two wins and two seconds, with his latest triumph coming at Club Menangle last night.

With McCarthy’s husband, Luke, in the cart Artillery led throughout an Autumn Gift heat, booking a berth in next weekend’s $30,600 Final.

Artillery captured the qualifier by covering the mile in 1:52.1 as Justa Little Bit and Shanlou filled the placings.

“Given the good run we had with Culture King and knowing Artillery was still on a light mark I suggested to his owners it would be beneficial to send him to Belinda and Luke,” Cavallaro said.

“It has already turned out to be a good move.

“He had 10 starts here in South Australia last season and picked up just under $25,000 and has had four starts in New South Wales so far for $24,600!

“Next week he’s going around in a $30,000 race whereas here he’d be racing for a quarter of that.

“Everything he has done suggests he can be as good, if not better, than Culture King and we’ll give him every chance to reach that potential.

“You only have to look at his record which is 14 wins and 11 placings from 26 starts and the one time he didn’t finish in the top three was fourth in our Derby.”