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Capturing the spirit

HEATH Chalmers is putting his faith in Spirit de Lune landing him a bet365 Swan Hill Cup Carnival winner this weekend.

The five-year-old gelding broke his maiden on his home track in March over a mile, and with three solid runs since then his trainer is hoping to see him back in the winners’ circle tomorrow.

Today the rodeo rider turned horse breaker and now horse trainer also has rookie runner Runpukya in for its second start.

“In his first run at Bendigo he didn’t have much luck and never really got the chance to go hard, so I will be looking for a much better run this weekend,” Chalmers says.

“Spirit de Lune’s win three months ago was a good one and has given him confidence, he’s been thereabouts in every run since then.

“Both he and Runpukya have been going pretty well and they trialled OK at Terang and Ararat last week and should be good to go.”

Chalmers also has Mallee Hammer back in work after almost six months in the paddock and she might go around tomorrow but a 1300m is not going to necessarily suit her first-up.

He says she has had a few jump outs – including Ararat last week – and is running into some form and condition. The six-year-old mare has four wins in her 29-race career.

“I have one other horse, that won’t make it, and have sold the other one I had been working with,” Chalmers adds.

“I also have seven or eight yearlings I’ve been breaking in and expect quite a few of them will get starts as two-year-olds, but will know more as they progress.”

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