Shockwave ready for interstate battle

West Australian pacing sensation Shockwave is headed to Victoria.

Just hours after his phenomenal Gloucester Park win last night, trainer Ryan Bell revealed Shockwave could be in Melbourne as early as next month.

“I spoke with Kevin (Jeavons, owner) after the win and we both agreed it’s time to work out when we can get over (to Melbourne),” he said. “If we have to come in August, then so be it, we’ll come then … exciting times.”

Shockwave produced the biggest win of his stellar career when he did all the work, beat WA’s second-best pacer Mighty Conqueror and smashed the clock at Gloucester Park last night.

His 1:53.9 mile rate for 2130m – in the middle of winter – was just a second outside the track record. He ran his last 1200m in a scorching 1:23.5, including closing splits of 55.1 and 27.6 seconds.

“He had everything against him last night and he still managed to pull it off, pricking his ears over the line,” Bell said.

“Aiden (De Campo, driver) has been saying all campaign he thinks he’s come back better than ever and it looks like he’s right.”

Shockwave is unbeaten in three runs back from a spell after he was found to have bled in the Group 1 Fremantle Cup last November, was stood down for three months and sent for a spell.

The best compliment for last night’s win came from rival driver Dylan Egerton-Green, who partnered Mighty Conqueror into a brave second placing.

“My horse is flying and couldn’t have gone better … it’s time for Shockwave to head east,” he told  RWWA TV.

Shockwave’s major Melbourne target will be the $300,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton on October 9.

Bell said he was likely to bypass the NSW Inter Dominion to focus on the big Fremantle/WA Pacing Cup double in his home state in January.

“But the plan is to head back east after our big races, for the Hunter Cup and Miracle Mile,” Bell said.

By Adam Hamilton