Flemington track conditions won't deter She's A Hustler's Caulfield Cup lead-up
Grahame Begg acknowledges that a rain-affected Flemington track is far from ideal for She's A Hustler, but the mare is still on track for her Caulfield Cup preparation.
According to Flemington track manager Liam O'Keeffe, the course could receive as much as 50mm of rain in the coming days, potentially pushing the surface into heavy territory.
She's A Hustler is scheduled to compete in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes over 2000 metres this Saturday, which will serve as her final tune-up for the Caulfield Cup on October 17.
The Begg-trained mare made her return from a winter spell on September 12, finishing fifth to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
"She was good last time," Begg commented.
"I think the one key factor was she got back on the good ground and last preparation she only got on two good tracks and they were her best runs.
"It doesn't look that we will get that on Saturday, looking at the forecast, but we'll be running as it's two weeks out from the Caulfield Cup.
"We don't want to be running in the Might And Power (on Saturday week) and then back up seven days later into the Caulfield Cup, even though I did do it with Nonconformist, but he was a gelding.
"Hopefully Flemington will miss the bulk of the rain."
Begg has observed significant improvement in She's A Hustler since her first-up effort.
A key development has been her improved ability to settle during a race, a focus for the stable throughout her 16-start career.
"Her wellbeing has come on greatly for her first-up run," Begg explained.
"Her coat has dapples coming out in it. She has tapered down well, her work has been good, and she's ticking all the boxes at this stage.
"And getting her to settle has been a big thing. We've been trying to get her to come back and relax and switch herself off.
"We're focusing on October 17 and if we can get a similar type of run as to the other day, then we'll be happy.
"There doesn't look to be a lot of speed in the race with Sir Delius likely to take control and Light Infantry Man could roll forward.
"We'll be riding her where she's comfortable and giving her that opportunity."
Consider the available racing betting markets for Saturday's action at racing betting markets.
More Racing News
Ndola set to tackle The Meteorite at Cranbourne
The specific track conditions and journey are anticipated to favour Ndola as he lines up for The Meteorite.A quartet of trainers from Lindsay Park is backing a galloper in fine form to secure a lucrative million-dollar race at Cranbourne this coming Saturday.Next weekend, Melbourne's metropolitan racing will be held away...
Magnatear heads to Perth for Railway Stakes challenge
A significant Group 1 race on the opposite side of the country is now the focus for the consistent gelding Magnatear, whose connections have decided against contesting The Gong to instead target the Railway Stakes in Perth.Will Freedman, co-trainer of the horse, confirmed that the gelding would not be among...
General Salute powers to victory in Newcastle's The Hunter
General Salute concluded a stellar spring carnival for the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou stable with a nail-biting triumph in the Listed $1 million The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle on Saturday.The richest race at Newcastle saw a gripping duel between General Salute and She's An Artist, with the victor conceding...
Bestower lands feature race win for Kris Lees at Newcastle
A mare not known for consistent victories, Bestower, produced a career-best performance when it mattered most, securing a valuable stakes win in The Beauford at her home track, Newcastle.This was only the fourth win in 35 starts for the mare, and her first since a midweek success last December. Trainer...
Kingswood claims rare Zipping Classic double
Trainer Gavin Bedggood is eyeing a Hong Kong campaign for Kingswood following his history-making Zipping Classic victory.Kingswood has created his own piece of staying race history, achieving a rare double that has not been accomplished for almost six decades. His triumph in the Zipping Classic brings him into line with...
Dabernig's first solo Group 1 achieved with Shadhavar in CF Orr Stakes
The victory of Shadhavar in the CF Orr Stakes undoubtedly provided Tom Dabernig with a unique sense of accomplishment, adding a distinct flavour to his 18 Group One career wins.The Sandown race, serving as the final Group One event of the Victorian Spring for the second consecutive year, saw Shadhavar...
Waller's smart dual-state strategy yields feature race success
Chris Waller's astute decision to campaign his promising three-year-olds, Consulate and Katoto, in separate states has yielded the desired outcome, with both horses emerging victorious in their respective feature races.The decision saw Katoto scratched from the Sandown Guineas (1600m), which Consulate went on to win, while Katoto herself secured a...
Ertijaaj claims emotional victory in Izzy Neale tribute race
The Chris Waller-trained Ertijaaj emerged victorious in a race honouring Izzy Neale, the 22-year-old apprentice jockey who tragically passed away on Tuesday after suffering fatal head injuries in a race fall.Charlie Duckworth, the articulate racing manager for champion trainer Chris Waller, found himself momentarily at a loss for words when...
Cuban Cigar claims deserved win in Legend Mile
Trainer Tracey Bartley has expressed his significant ambitions for Cuban Cigar, a horse that was duly rewarded for his recent consistent form with a victory in the Legend Mile over 1600 metres."He's a really nice horse, I want to back him up next Saturday in The Gong if he gets...
Natural Fling too good in Thoroughbred Club Stakes
Sometimes pushing a horse for another start is a risky strategy, but Tony Mcevoy's experience suggested it was the right call.Co-trainer Calvin Mcevoy confessed to some uncertainty regarding Natural Fling's ability to handle another race given her busy schedule, but the three-year-old filly ultimately delivered a commanding performance in the...