LOUTH Park trainer Darren Elder will look to the Armidale Cup on Sunday with revitalised star Shannonsablast after the eight-year-old won in career-best time at Menangle Park.
Shannonsablast took his earnings to $345,400 with the win on Friday night, which was his 31st victory in 154 starts.
With Brad Elder driving, Shannonsablast led throughout and prevailed by four metres in a career-best winning time of 1.51.1.
”He’s been going good this season. I’ve been real happy with him,” Darren said. “I don’t know what it is, but he’s just thriving at the moment.”
He said the Armidale Cup shaped as a likely next target for the former Interdominion series qualifier.
The win comes as Elder works on getting exciting three-year-old Bright Energy back to the races after a minor injury setback.
Bright Energy has not raced since finishing sixth in Victoria Derby heats at Ballarat on January 20.
“He’s having a bit of a break and we’ll get him ready for the Breeders Challenge,” Elder said.
He said the Newcastle Derby remained a possibility for Bright Energy but "we won’t rush him for that. The Breeders Challenge and then the Queensland Derby are the aim.”
