SA Trots - Artillery continues strong Cup Form

CLASSY pacer Artillery continued his strong Cup form yesterday.

Runner-up in the Strathalbyn and Ladbrokes Cups during two previous outings, Artillery proved too good by capturing the Gawler Pacing Cup for trainer Paul Cavallaro.

It is the second Cup success for the son of Art Major this season, having won the Italian Cup on February 17.

Artillery also captured the Christmas Cup at Globe Derby on December 23, giving him three Cups from his last six starts.

Cavallaro also provided the quinella in Strathalbyn's feature, with Artillery's older brother, Culture King, emerging triumphant.

"We're having a pretty good run in the Cups," Cavallaro said. "Artillery is doing particularly well.

"He is in great form, but the reality is, he always puts in his best.

"He's just such a gentleman to do anything with, particularly in the run. For example, you can use him early and then he will drop the bit when you want him to and never gives you a hard time."

With Cavallaro in the cart, Artillery began well from his 20-metre backmark to settle three-back in the running line as Culture King led.

Gaining a three-wide trail along the back straight, Artillery was four-deep around the final bend before sprinting to a two-and-a-half metre win from Lord Zarias.

Sir Lucas was seven metres away third in 1:59.5 over 2550 metres.

"That was his first standing start and he handled it quite well," Cavallaro said. "After getting a nice trail up he was always going to finish strongly.

"I'll give him an easy day or two, but will nominate him for Victor Harbor next weekend then on to the main Cup in Port Pirie a couple of weeks later."