Gibbons Delays Holiday to Partner Thebudgiesmugla in Caloundra Cup

Jockey Dylan Gibbons has demonstrated his commitment by postponing a planned end-of-season holiday to take the reins on the promising stayer Thebudgiesmugla for the Caloundra Cup.

Gibbons was scheduled to embark on an overseas break after this Saturday's Tattersall's Tiara meeting at Eagle Farm. However, this holiday has been rescheduled following confirmation from Bjorn Baker's racing manager, Luke Hilton, that Thebudgiesmugla would be a contender in the Sunshine Coast feature event.

"I pushed my holiday back to ride him in the Caloundra Cup once Luke Hilton mentioned it," Gibbons revealed. "I came in Tuesday morning and galloped him, and I was amazed how he'd come through his last run. After a 2400 metre run, he galloped close enough after that, and just felt amazing. As long as he can hold that into the race he'll run well."

Thebudgiesmugla has made significant strides through the grades since arriving from New Zealand last year, achieving four wins from his eight starts under Baker's training. His first significant stakes victory came in the Winter Cup (2400m), with Gibbons guiding him to that success.

Notably, the gelding has a perfect record over the 2400m distance. Gibbons believes that if Thebudgiesmugla can replicate his winning form at Caloundra, it will pave the way for more ambitious targets next season, much like Half Yours did after winning the Caloundra Cup 12 months ago before securing the Caulfield-Melbourne Cups double.

"If he can take care of business next Saturday, they can aim higher with him," Gibbons commented. "The staying ranks do thin out a bit in Australia, and I think he's the right horse to continue going through the grades. He has ticked the 2400 metre box a few times and won in Listed grade, so hopefully he can start to step up and take on the better horses."

The versatility of Thebudgiesmugla is a key asset, with his six career wins occurring on tracks ranging from good to heavy. Gibbons emphasised that this adaptability is particularly valuable given the unpredictable nature of Queensland's winter weather.

"The wetter the better, but he can do it on top of the ground," he stated. "He's got a great racing style, and he is flying at the minute."

The Caloundra Cup is shaping up to be a competitive race, and punters can find the latest betting opportunities at leading online bookmakers.