Multiple Cup winner breaks drought

MULTIPLE cup winner Artillery broke a drought with a welcome return to the winners' circle today.

Racing without luck during his previous campaign, Artillery was sent for a much-needed spell following an unplaced performance in Port Pirie last April.

Third when first-up from a break a fortnight ago, Artillery registered his first win since last October for trainer Paul Cavallaro.

One of South Australia's top pacers in recent times, Artillery has captured features such as the Gawler, Victor Harbor, Italian, Christmas Cups and Southern Cross Final.

The gelding also broke 1:50 at Club Menangle with his 1:49 triumph at the world class venue.

"He's been a more than handy horse from the moment he stepped on to the track," Cavallaro said. "I don't think there is any doubt he's done a good job...and as she showed today, he's not finished yet!

"Last time in we just couldn't get him right though!

"He got a blood disorder, which we couldn't clear up. They think now he picked up a bug which just stayed around.

"We did bloods every week and one week it would be ok-ish, then the next it was terrible.

"Even though he ran some good races, he wasn't anywhere near his best.

"He seems very well at the moment...he looks good, is working fine and is racing well, so hopefully it is all finally behind him."

With Cavallaro in the cart, Artillery led throughout from barrier six to score by a metre-and-a-half from Tairlow Toll, with Told You Twice a metre-and-a-half away third.

"His work improved a fair bit between runs, so I knew he was ready to put in a good one," Cavallaro said. "I'll see how he is tomorrow morning and then find another race to nominate him for.

"He'll take three or four runs to get back to his peak, but he is heading in the right direction."