Perth test for Von Hauke in Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley
Mornington trainer Cliff Brown would like to see Von Hauke able to string some races together instead of being sidelined for some minor niggle.
Von Hauke heads to the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday following another interrupted campaign.
This year has been much of the same after Brown had ambitions of tackling the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June with the gelding.
The program started out well with Von Hauke winning the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) at Flemington in March before running well in the Doncaster Prelude at Randwick.
Brown was then heading to Brisbane with the gelding, but being the ‘naughty kid’ he is, Von Hauke ripped open his jaw and required surgery to remove a tooth, putting an end to Stradbroke plans.
Even on the home front it has not been plain sailing.
A storm before the most recent Flemington meeting resulted in Von Hauke having to be scratched from his engagement in the Listed Paris Lane Stakes, delaying his campaign.
“The night before the Flemington meeting was when we had a storm and a lot of lightning, and he misbehaved in his yard and knocked his knee,” Brown said.
“I had to scratch him. It was fine, but I had to treat it, but they’re the little things he’s done through his whole career, whether it’s ripping a tooth out and requiring surgery, to little knocks.
“It’s just one thing after another with him. He needs racing now. He’s had no continuity this prep.
“I don’t think The Valley is his track, but he needs a run to be right for Flemington.”
Brown also has The Inferno engaged in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m).
The Inferno won the McEwen Stakes when it was run in September and over 1000m, before a programming switch this year.
That win in 2021 is The Inferno’s only success after being one of Singapore’s best gallopers.
Brown said The Inferno was going well and back on his favourite track and can run better than his most recent run indicated.
Both Von Hauke and The Inferno have been entered for a number of races in Perth for the upcoming Summer Carnival and Brown is keen to explore a trip west further, but first the pair needs to show they are worthy of travel.
More Racing News
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...
Chains Of Love's stunning Kosciuszko win defies the odds
In a truly remarkable turn of events, Chains Of Love, despite her challenging draw and a run wide for the entirety of the race, managed to surge past Band Of Brothers in a thrilling conclusion.This victory marks a consecutive win in The Kosciuszko for the training partnership of Paul Messara...
Grafterburners triumphs in Sydney Stakes after declining Everest start
Kelly Schweida, the trainer, has disclosed that he declined an offer for an Everest slot for Grafterburners to focus on its $2 million consolation race. This decision has proven to be a masterstroke, as the colt has claimed a thrilling Sydney Stakes victory at Randwick.The Queensland trainer felt his charge...
So You Are books Melbourne Cup ticket after St Leger triumph
The connections of improving stayer So You Are can celebrate a successful outcome, as the horse has overcome a pre-race incident to position itself favourably for a Melbourne Cup start.In Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) at Randwick, the Bjorn Baker-trained $3.30 favourite, ridden by Tommy Berry, demonstrated resilience to fend...