As a seven year old gelding time is slowly ticking away for Desert Bunny as he continues to plug away along the provincial cup’s circuit for trainer Brett Dodson.

That’s not to say his results are drifting southward though, in fact there’s a case to argue that his recent form could be career best.

From 31 starts he won twice in 2009, three times in 2010 and already three more in 2011 with another seven placings picked up along the journey.

In fact from his last seven runs he’s won on three occasions plus a close second last start in the Ballina Cup.

If you exclude the two heavy track failures in that stretch the record looks even better.

Dodson knows the opportunity he has with the horse in his current form and at the moment he feels he still has more to give.

“He’s had  a fair few runs this time in but he’s still going well and working well,” he said.

“This is probably his last run before he has a break at this stage.”

There is plenty to like about the horse going into the Lismore Cup, firstly the fact he’s proven over the trip and secondly the fact the horse has won five times from 12 starts on Good rated surfaces.

“This is probably the best race for him,” Dodson said.

He is the top weight for the contest with 57kg though but should get a good run from barrier five assuming he can get on the speed early.

“He can play up a little bit in the barriers and he has missed it a couple of times…I’m hoping he’ll be in the first half dozen,” he said.

“Everything on top of the ground he’s raced really well.

“He’s just starting to creep up in the weights but I suppose you keep performing well that’s going to happen.”