Turnbull Stakes
October 3rd 2008 07:49
Weekend Hussler steps out over 2000m for the first time this weekend when favourite in the Group One Patinack Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
(photo: Sam Mooy)
This should be the acid test for this champion sprinter/miler as with the free-going Extend engaged - the third entry from team Williams and trainer Sadler - the pace is likely to be genuine. Unlike the situation where Aidan O’Brien will accept with lesser entries and have them make the pace against their racing pattern, or in the best interest of winning, Extend is a naturally free-going horse at trips over one mile or beyond. Actually he is quite talented and by no means just a pacemaker in this race. But his inclusion does suggest that the pace will be more even than (weight for age) tactical and the 2000m a likely true test of stamina. Stablemates Efficient and Zipping would both enjoy the prospect of a fast run race.
Many of the stables are saying they don’t fear Weekend Hussler and are buoyant and optimistic of their chances. Mick Price suggested that his brave comeback galloper Pompeii Ruler is a strong chance to win on the day. And Pompeii Ruler is proven at the trip against the best - and has been within a length of (and closing) Weekend Hussler both times they have met this season.
Mark Kavanagh is also enthused over the prospects for Maldivian. Although yet to win this campaign he has still performed very well - two brilliant efforts over the too-short 1400m trip - before following with solid efforts at his past two runs when fourth on both occasions, and both times with excuses. And this is the horse that thrashed Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilly over 2040m at Moonee Valley before starting such a short-priced favourite in a Caulfield Cup in which he was ultimately denied a start by a freak mishap. A proven and fast stayer.
Efficient’s younger half-brother Guillotine has been a revelation since joining the stable of David Hayes. His win at Group Two in the Feehan Handicap at Moonee Valley was an exceptional performance. Efficient is by Zabeel and is our premier staying horse who maintains speed at a point long after most other horses have waved a white flag of surrender. His Melbourne Cup victory a testament to his stamina. Guillotine is by the champion sire of staying horses in Europe: Montjeu. There is much to suggest that Guillotine like his illustrious half-brother will excel at testing trips (and races of a testing nature).
And even the bookmakers say they will take on Weekend Hussler who has drawn the outside barrier of thirteen. But the best they offer in advance is $1.70 - hardly an indication of bravery.
I have clients who have asked me which races I think Weekend Hussler will ‘really’ target this Spring. And I take Ross McDonald to be telling the truth when he identifies the Caulfield Cup; Cox Plate; and finally the Melbourne Cup.
My speedratings identified Weekend Hussler as a multiple Group One winner on the measure of his first minor midweek victory. He has been a champion sprinter - then champion miler - a horse ranked for much of the year in the top 10 thoroughbreds in the world. At present he has slipped in the rankings (a mystery really). My opinion is that once we discover the prime and preferred distance range (be it a sprint, be it a mile, or be it beyond) then he will assume the ranking he deserves. The world watches in awe as he continues to step out over more ground - in the best of company - and continues to win. If he wins the Turnbull over 2000m then the 2400m of the Caulfield Cup is also at his mercy.
In all the years I have been compiling speedfigures I have never before seen a horse producing results as Weekend Hussler does over sprint trips - then a mile - and now middle-distance (and beyond?). It is illogical that a sprinter of his calibre could then run the marathon of a two mile race. But he has always raced with sense and gears - speeding up or sleeping as required. No logic can be applied to his freakish ability.
The quality of the Turnbull Stakes is exceptional and includes Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winners and Irish Derby runner-up (Alexander Of Hales - fitted with blinkers for Saturday). In addition the brilliant and improving mare Tuesday Joy looks ever threatening - and we have the promise of Zagreb, Littorrio and Zavite.
This is an exceptional race so early in the Spring program. If Weekend Hussler does indeed pass this test (as expected) there may prove to be no test that is beyond him.
Racing needs great horses. Curlin has time and time proved his greatness. Makybe Diva thrilled us for three seasons and was good enough to deny even the great Vinnie Roe. In France this weekend the unbeaten wonder-filly Zarkava will run in the world’s greatest race.
Racing has always been about heroes and heroics. The Australian public has taken to love and admire Weekend Hussler - and the world wonders just how good he really is.
"I've heard all sorts of amazing stories about him how he's the new wonder horse. But he's yet to be seen over further than a mile and one furlong. I haven't really seen him in action, but I'll have to see him (on Saturday). It'd be fascinating if he can be as good over two miles as he is over one. But we'll see.” - Luca Cumani.
"You definitely hear a lot about him. He's the 'second coming' and everything else. In England it would be a very strange thing to do to take a miler over two miles - it just wouldn't be done really.”
"Because we tend to find their special distance and stick to it, keep them what they're good at. But if he seems to be improving every time he goes further, then why not? But it'll be interesting to see if it can be done." - Francesca Cumani.
The spotlight is on on the Hussler. We watch in anticipation.
Weekend Hussler and Ross McDonald
(photo: Sam Mooy)
This should be the acid test for this champion sprinter/miler as with the free-going Extend engaged - the third entry from team Williams and trainer Sadler - the pace is likely to be genuine. Unlike the situation where Aidan O’Brien will accept with lesser entries and have them make the pace against their racing pattern, or in the best interest of winning, Extend is a naturally free-going horse at trips over one mile or beyond. Actually he is quite talented and by no means just a pacemaker in this race. But his inclusion does suggest that the pace will be more even than (weight for age) tactical and the 2000m a likely true test of stamina. Stablemates Efficient and Zipping would both enjoy the prospect of a fast run race.
Many of the stables are saying they don’t fear Weekend Hussler and are buoyant and optimistic of their chances. Mick Price suggested that his brave comeback galloper Pompeii Ruler is a strong chance to win on the day. And Pompeii Ruler is proven at the trip against the best - and has been within a length of (and closing) Weekend Hussler both times they have met this season.
Mark Kavanagh is also enthused over the prospects for Maldivian. Although yet to win this campaign he has still performed very well - two brilliant efforts over the too-short 1400m trip - before following with solid efforts at his past two runs when fourth on both occasions, and both times with excuses. And this is the horse that thrashed Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilly over 2040m at Moonee Valley before starting such a short-priced favourite in a Caulfield Cup in which he was ultimately denied a start by a freak mishap. A proven and fast stayer.
Efficient’s younger half-brother Guillotine has been a revelation since joining the stable of David Hayes. His win at Group Two in the Feehan Handicap at Moonee Valley was an exceptional performance. Efficient is by Zabeel and is our premier staying horse who maintains speed at a point long after most other horses have waved a white flag of surrender. His Melbourne Cup victory a testament to his stamina. Guillotine is by the champion sire of staying horses in Europe: Montjeu. There is much to suggest that Guillotine like his illustrious half-brother will excel at testing trips (and races of a testing nature).
And even the bookmakers say they will take on Weekend Hussler who has drawn the outside barrier of thirteen. But the best they offer in advance is $1.70 - hardly an indication of bravery.
I have clients who have asked me which races I think Weekend Hussler will ‘really’ target this Spring. And I take Ross McDonald to be telling the truth when he identifies the Caulfield Cup; Cox Plate; and finally the Melbourne Cup.
My speedratings identified Weekend Hussler as a multiple Group One winner on the measure of his first minor midweek victory. He has been a champion sprinter - then champion miler - a horse ranked for much of the year in the top 10 thoroughbreds in the world. At present he has slipped in the rankings (a mystery really). My opinion is that once we discover the prime and preferred distance range (be it a sprint, be it a mile, or be it beyond) then he will assume the ranking he deserves. The world watches in awe as he continues to step out over more ground - in the best of company - and continues to win. If he wins the Turnbull over 2000m then the 2400m of the Caulfield Cup is also at his mercy.
In all the years I have been compiling speedfigures I have never before seen a horse producing results as Weekend Hussler does over sprint trips - then a mile - and now middle-distance (and beyond?). It is illogical that a sprinter of his calibre could then run the marathon of a two mile race. But he has always raced with sense and gears - speeding up or sleeping as required. No logic can be applied to his freakish ability.
The quality of the Turnbull Stakes is exceptional and includes Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winners and Irish Derby runner-up (Alexander Of Hales - fitted with blinkers for Saturday). In addition the brilliant and improving mare Tuesday Joy looks ever threatening - and we have the promise of Zagreb, Littorrio and Zavite.
This is an exceptional race so early in the Spring program. If Weekend Hussler does indeed pass this test (as expected) there may prove to be no test that is beyond him.
Racing needs great horses. Curlin has time and time proved his greatness. Makybe Diva thrilled us for three seasons and was good enough to deny even the great Vinnie Roe. In France this weekend the unbeaten wonder-filly Zarkava will run in the world’s greatest race.
Racing has always been about heroes and heroics. The Australian public has taken to love and admire Weekend Hussler - and the world wonders just how good he really is.
"I've heard all sorts of amazing stories about him how he's the new wonder horse. But he's yet to be seen over further than a mile and one furlong. I haven't really seen him in action, but I'll have to see him (on Saturday). It'd be fascinating if he can be as good over two miles as he is over one. But we'll see.” - Luca Cumani.
"You definitely hear a lot about him. He's the 'second coming' and everything else. In England it would be a very strange thing to do to take a miler over two miles - it just wouldn't be done really.”
"Because we tend to find their special distance and stick to it, keep them what they're good at. But if he seems to be improving every time he goes further, then why not? But it'll be interesting to see if it can be done." - Francesca Cumani.
The spotlight is on on the Hussler. We watch in anticipation.
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