South Australian Hucklebuck is a firming favorite for the Australian Guineas after his brilliant win in Saturday’s CS Hayes Stakes at Flemington.
Hucklebuck has shortened from $8 to $5 for the Australian Guineas after his CS Hayes victory.
The Gai Waterhouse trained Bull Point is a $8 second favorite with Eurozone from the James Cummings yard.
Trainer Phillip Stokes said Hucklebuck, a $50,000 yearling from the Adelaide Magic Millions, continues to “step up” when issued with a challenge and he’s now looking forward to the Guineas at Flemington on March 1.
He said he liked the way Hucklebuck relaxed and was able to deal with some buffeting when Dom Tourneur was looking for clear running at the 350 metres.
“That didn’t worry him, which is pleasing,” Stokes said.
“We will get him now and keep him ticking over until the Guineas. We won’t have to do a lot with him.”
Asked if Hucklebuck is the best horse he’s trained, Stokes replied: “I will tell you in two weeks time if he wins the Guineas.”
Tourneur said he wanted to establish a run in the straight without “hitting the button” and he had to push his way past San Diego.
He said Hucklebuck lengthened well when he asked him to win with authority.
Hucklebuck, backed from $3.10 to $2.80 favorite, posted a one and a quarter length win from Prince Harada, $7, with three-quarters of a length to The Quarterback, $6, third.
Craig Williams said Prince Harada possessed untapped ability, but felt the “horse is mentally not quite ready”.
“It will be interesting to see what they do with him in the next two weeks. He’s definitely got the motor, he just has to get the mind to catch up,” Williams said.
Matt Allen described as “really good” the performance of Quarterback.
“I was behind the winner and on straightening he kicked away from me, but I was starting to reel him in late, but I blew out,” Allen said.
“He should be better for the run. The Guineas will suit him absolutely.”
