Mus up for Tuff challenge in the 2025 Recognition Stakes

Sunshine Coast trainer David Vandyke has enjoyed watching Tuff Tu Mus work his way through the grades, but acknowledges that this weekend represents his toughest test yet.

The All Too Hard gelding steps into Stakes company for the first time when he lines up in Saturday’s $160,000 Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben, where he will be aiming for his eighth win in succession.

Vandyke, pleased with how the five-year-old has returned, believes barrier seven and his outstanding record at Doomben—five starts for five wins—give him every opportunity to measure up.

“It’s a huge step up from what he’s run in previously, but he’s got a wonderful record with seven-straight metro wins and he certainly deserves a crack at this type of race,” Vandyke said.

“He’s drawn OK in the middle of the line and he’s never been beaten at Doomben.

“The signs are good for a decent performance, but we’re under no illusions that this is a very tough assignment for him.”

Tuff Tu Mus completed a dominant second preparation when scoring over 1815 metres at Eagle Farm in benchmark 90 grade on August 2, extending a winning streak that began late in his debut campaign.

His only defeats came in his first two starts, both narrow losses before he embarked on his undefeated run.

He has been given three trials leading into Saturday—two even efforts and a polished 1000m victory at the Sunshine Coast on November 11.

Vandyke said the most recent trial gave him confidence.

“His last trial was pretty good, he can mix his form in his trials, but he does go well raceday which is the important thing,” he said.

“I’ve given him a fair bit of work, he’s had a few trials and I don’t think the distance will be a worry, I don’t think the track will be a worry, it’ll just be a matter of how it goes in this grade.”

A strong showing could see the gelding head toward the lucrative Magic Millions raceday this summer.

Tiffani Brooker is reunited with the in-form galloper, who sits third in betting behind Boomtown Boss and So You Pence.

If you’re backing a runner in the Recognition Stakes, don’t forget to compare odds at the best Australian betting sites.