She's A Hustler set for Caulfield Cup challenge

Grahame Begg, the trainer of She's A Hustler, and her connections are once again anticipating a strong showing from the mare over a longer distance.

She's A Hustler is slated to compete at 2400 metres for the second time in her career when she contests the Group 1 Caulfield Cup this Saturday.

The mare's only previous attempt at the 2400m distance resulted in a victory in the Zipping Classic at Caulfield last November, held on a soft track, where she outfinished Light Infantry Man under weight-for-age conditions.

That notable defeat of Light Infantry Man also stands as She's A Hustler's most recent triumph.

Begg has been content with She's A Hustler's recent form, though acknowledging that wet conditions and fast-paced races have presented difficulties for the mare at various points.

The 2400m journey of the Caulfield Cup is known for its high pressure, but it is run under handicap conditions, a contrast to the weight-for-age or set-weights and penalties events She's A Hustler has been participating in.

After a commendable closing effort for fifth behind Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) on September 12, She's A Hustler faded to seventh place behind Cosmic Crusader in the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on October 3.

"It was too wet last time, and she can't cope with the high-pressure races," Begg commented.

"She needs a dry track and to be able to come up for air at some time in the run. She needs to be able to come back and then travel through her gears.

"Who would have thought Light Infantry Man would go out the way he did, and it was the same when she was chasing Pride Of Jenni in Brisbane, she didn't get that chance to come up for air and she's not as effective.

"Her previous run was excellent and all her runs on good tracks have been good.

"Low-range soft is OK, but we should get nice ground for her and we're looking forward to seeing her on Saturday."

She's A Hustler drew barrier six during Tuesday's draw and will start from gate five if no emergencies are successful in gaining a start.

Michael Dee is set to ride the mare on Saturday.

"She will be ridden quiet," Begg advised.

"Hopefully she will be midfield, doing no work, not being bustled to hold a position and just let her travel."

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