Hoping to go one better in Cup

RUNNER-UP in the early edition this year, Paul Cavallaro hopes to go one better in today's Ladbrokes Cup.

Cavallaro had Culture King and Artillery in the March version, with the latter a half-neck second behind the Ryan Hryhorec-trained and driven Lord Zarias.

Driven by Ken Rogers, Culture King was a handy fourth as the winner rated 2:00.4 over 2645 metres.

The stablemates will be in action again in Gawler today, with Artillery drawn poorly in the middle of the second row, whereas Culture King has fared slightly better in barrier five.

Despite his tough starting position, Cavallaro considers Artillery his best chance in the feature.

"The draw has certainly made it difficult to say the least," Cavallaro said. "He's going to need plenty of luck from there.

"He's had two starts from a spell for a win and a second and his fitness has tightened right up for this.

"As well as he is going, however, he's going to need things to go his way."

With Cavallaro's sister Angela Chapman to take the reins, Culture King "will need plenty of luck" according to the astute horseman.

"He's also had two starts this time in, but he always takes a few more runs to hit his straps," Cavallaro said. "He's an eight-year-old stallion so he puts on weight when he's out and needs a while to wind up."

Victorian raider Yambukian is considered the one to beat from gate three.

Prepared by Andy Gath and to be driven by Hryhorec, Yambukian is listed as a $1.04 favourite, with Artillery on the next line of betting at $8.