A return to Group One racing is closer to reality for Shadows In The Sun after his first win for almost two years in the Australia Day Cup at Warwick Farm.

His victory in the 2011 South Australian Derby during May of that year gave trainer Anthony Cummings hope he would develop into a potential spring Cups contender.

A bout of pneumonia put paid to those ambitions but after a long road back to health, the dream has been revived.

Cummings said the Mornington Cup on February 13, which guarantees the winner a Caulfield Cup start, was an attractive option after Shadows In The Sun led all the way to win Saturday's 2400m feature.

"I told Pete (Robl) to be positive but I really didn't expect him to lead," Cummings said.

"But he got left in front and got some soft sectionals and that's exactly what happened in Adelaide.

"He'll be entered for all the big races like the BMW. The Tasmanian Cups are also an option but I've got half a mind to go to Mornington next month.

"It's a mile-and-a-half (2400m) and a qualifier for the Caulfield Cup."

Travolta ($6.50) got closest to Shadows In The Sun ($8.50) but was still 2-1/2 lengths away with favourite Reuben Percival ($4.60) another 1-3/4 lengths third.

While Cummings is looking to qualify for the Caulfield Cup, Robl has no doubts Shadows In The Sun can run the distance of the Melbourne Cup (3200m).

"He'll run two miles easily," he said.

"I didn't plan to be in the lead but I was happy to be there."

Shadows In The Sun spent almost a year on the sidelines recovering from the pneumonia which threatened his career but Cummings said that was the only problem he had ever had.

"Apart from the normal issues that young horses get, he has been quite sound," he said.

"He is a very good horse fresh, even over 2400 metres, which is the sign of a good stayer."

Ironstein ($21), who is bound for the Hobart and Launceston Cups next month, ran an even race for sixth.

AAP T