Loft to continue mixing codes but has eyes on 2025 Sandown Cup

Success in the Melbourne Cup has long been a goal for international trainers, with Irishmen Dermot Weld and Willie Mullins testing hurdlers in the famous race. Weld triumphed with Vintage Crop, while Mullins’ recent runners Vauban and Absurde showed promise.

Warrnambool trainer Shane Jackson is the latest to dream big with Loft, a smart galloper who has already proven his ability over hurdles. Loft is being aimed at Sunday’s Sandown Cup (3200m), and if successful, will target the Brisbane Cup (3200m) in June.

Once a Melbourne Cup favourite in 2022, Loft’s career was interrupted by injury. Since his return, he’s thrived over jumps and most recently ran fourth in the Andrew Ramsden, showing he still has what it takes on the flat.

“He could go to a jumps race at Sandown on Sunday and win, which would be fantastic, but his main aim over jumps this season is the Grand National Hurdle,” Jackson said.

“But his run in the Andrew Ramsden was massive and arguably if the race had panned out a little better for him, he could have gone close and then we would have been dreaming big.”

“I don’t think his flat days are done by any means and I think he can mix codes.”

Jackson is cautious about running on firm ground, having seen Loft struggle at Ballarat last year. If the Sandown track is too dry, he’ll wait for a more suitable target.

Loft could travel to Brisbane early next week, depending on weather. “If it looks like it will be wet, I can send him, but if it’s going to be dry, I don’t want to send him up not to have a run,” Jackson said.

Noonday Gun and Highland Blaze will represent the stable in Sunday’s hurdle races, including the Australian Hurdle and a 3400m benchmark event.

“He’s done no wrong, he’s been brilliant for us, and his aim will also be the Grand National Hurdle then have a little freshen up and have a crack at the Jericho Cup in December,” Jackson added.

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