Hurry Curry claims Ansett Classic and Black Type

Hurry Curry has gained valuable 'Black Type' for her future as a broodmare following a hard-fought victory at Mornington, appreciating an increase in distance.

The Listed R M Ansett Classic (2400m) on Saturday was captured by the Danny O'Brien-trained mare, adding to her previous Stakes performance when she placed in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville in March.

Under jockey Lachlan Neindorf, Hurry Curry, who started at $14, crossed the line a neck ahead of Sunset Park ($5.50). Beach Pad ($7.50) secured third place, a further half-length behind.

Jack Howard, speaking on behalf of the O'Brien stable, emphasized the importance of this win for the Ocean Park filly.

'She has enjoyed a very good career without securing that 'Black Type' win, so it's satisfying to achieve that for Mark Chittick and Waikato Stud,' Howard informed Racing.com.

'It was a really good ride by Lachie. When they went past the post the first time, I think it was Shane Jackson's horse (Beach Pad) rolled out and he kicked up underneath which gave us the spot behind the leader and that was probably the pivotal move in the end.'

Hurry Curry was competing third-up after a spell following her third-place finish in Adelaide. Her initial two runs this preparation were over distances that did not suit, but critically, she was carrying less weight.

'We believe she was unfairly penalised for her Adelaide Cup run based on her rating, and in her first couple of outings, we found it difficult to place her appropriately,' Howard stated. 'Her rating didn't decrease, remaining static, but the opportunity to get her back to 54 kilograms and up to 2400 metres was precisely what we were seeking.'

The O'Brien stable achieved success in the Ansett Classic in 2022 with Saracen Knight, who subsequently triumphed in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield in his next start.

Howard expressed uncertainty about Hurry Curry's immediate race plans but mentioned that the Australian Heritage Cup (2800m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day might be considered.

'We did win this race with Saracen Knight a few years ago and it ended up he leapfropped into another win,' Howard commented. 'It's great to get that 'Black Type' win (with this mare), so its job done there and we'll assess what comes up next. There is the 2800-metre race on Cup Day that she may head to, but we'll leave that up to Danny who will make the decision about her going forward.'

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