Hedged aims for the stars in The Meteorite at Cranbourne

Hedged has endured more bad luck than most this spring, and he now aims to turn things around for the Gavin Bedggood stable in The Meteorite at Cranbourne.

The gelding has four wins from 20 starts, but a breakthrough for his new stable has proved elusive so far this preparation.

Each of his three runs has come with a hard-luck story.

First, he ran an eye-catching second at Cranbourne on October 10, then suffered a stop–start run at Flemington on Cup week’s opening day, and most recently he finished second to Boston Rocks at Caulfield.

Bedggood believes Hedged could easily have two wins on the board if not for his misfortune, though he conceded last Saturday’s victor was simply superior.

The Meteorite has been pencilled in since the beginning of the prep, and Bedggood is satisfied Hedged heads there in optimal shape.

“It was always an option, as we have always known it was there,” Bedggood said.

“When he drew well last week and he came up favourite, we had to take our chance. We didn’t get our chance, but in saying that I still think we run second, just a little closer, and he certainly hasn’t raced poorly for us.

“He had no luck first-up, he was stiff second-up at Flemington, and probably should have run second, and I think last week he was beaten by the better horse.”

Under Price and Kent Jnr, Hedged competed across multiple states and placed third in The Warra at Kembla Grange on this weekend a year ago.

With Saturday’s run fresh in the legs, Bedggood opted to keep things quiet during the week.

“We haven’t had to do anything with him this week other than tick him over,” Bedggood said.

“He’s drawn well and he looks as though he’ll get a good run from that gate.

“Jigsaw and Zou Sensation are drawn outside him, and they usually look to push forward, and he should be third or fourth, and hopefully we can stay off the fence.”

Jamie Mott climbs aboard Hedged for the first time this weekend.