Shane Jackson remains optimistic about a Melbourne Cup tilt with Loft, despite the jumper’s recent switch to hurdles.

The Irish-born Warrnambool trainer has Loft entered for Sunday’s Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) but says the ultimate aim remains the Grand National Hurdle.

“If I can’t make a champion flat horse out of him, he will be a champion jumper,” Jackson said. “But I would love to be able to mix codes with him.”

Loft was once favourite for the Melbourne Cup in 2022 before injury struck. He’s since won both hurdle starts and was unlucky in the Andrew Ramsden (2800m), finishing a strong fourth.

Jackson says he’ll run Loft on Sunday if the track is soft. If not, he’ll hold off for a potential trip to the Brisbane Cup (3200m).

Stablemates Noonday Gun and Highland Blaze will also feature in Sunday’s hurdle events, both targeting the Grand National, with Highland Blaze set for a Jericho Cup bid in December.