Cup title defence yet to be confirmed

A DECISION on Spirit Of St Louis' Ballarat Cup title defence will be made during the next 24 hours.

Although the son of Sweet Lou gave every indication he is ready for another crack at the rich provincial feature with his win at Club Menangle last night, trainer Belinda McCarthy is yet to confirm the trip south.

McCarthy stated she will discuss the options with Spirit Of St Louis' connections before nominations close at Noon tomorrow.

Should Spirit Of St Louis bypass the Group One he will be aimed at the Casey Classic at Tabcorp Park Melton the following week as his final hit out before the A G Hunter Cup on February 4.

"The Ballarat Cup is definitely an option, but whether it is the one we take hasn't been decided," McCarthy said.

"I've been very happy with his work during the past couple of weeks and he ran to expectations last night, so he is on the right track.

"We've got until midday tomorrow to decide, so I will talk it over and make a decision in the morning.

"If he does miss the Cup he will be down there the week after for the Casey Classic."

Driven by regular reinsman Jack Callaghan, Spirit Of St Louis worked forward to find the lead from barrier eight with the remainder of the 2300-metre event a formality.

Proving too slick along the home straight, the gelding completed a metre-and-a-half win from his stablemate, Mach Shard.

Petes Said So was two-and-a-half metres away third in 1:56.