Trainer David Murphy has deliberately set two-year-old Shotacross The Bow a major test at Doomben.

Shotacross The Bow turned in one of the runs of the day when he stormed home to win over 1400 metres at the Sunshine Coast two weeks ago.

The gelding steps up to 1640m when he tackles the Past Presidents Handicap on Saturday.

Shotacross The Bow carried only 52.5kg at the Sunshine Coast after Bridget Grylls two-kilo claim but senior rider Brad Stewart has the mount on Saturday.

It means Shotacross The Bow will carry 58kg.

“I have deliberately not claimed on him because I want this to be a test on several fronts,” Murphy said.

“A few horses we met the other day have much the better of the weights this time.

“They had their chance to go with him at the Sunshine Coast and couldn’t. If Shotacross The Bow can beat them easily again I might have a handy horse.

“I also feel I might have a future good stayer on my hands. But I should get a better feel for that after I see him race at 1600 metres.”

Shotacross the Bow will be spelled after Saturday’s race and Murphy hopes to bring him back as a possible stakes stayer.

“The big thing about him is not only his turn of foot but the fact he can sustain it. He isn’t the sort of horse to make a stop-start run,” Murphy said.

Shotacross The Bow is by first season sire Rothesay and cost $60,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions Yearling Sales.

“A lot of experts are saying the Rothesays are firing late in the season after a bit of time and Shotacross The Bow is another example,” Murphy said.

Shotacross the Bow’s form is just reward for the former jockey who has cut his team back to 11 in recent times.

“I had a few more but these days I think it is too hard to have a mid size team of horses. I ride most of the work myself and I can keep a tight hold on things,” he said.

Article from justhorseracing.com.au