Champion Weekend Hussler stunned the big Flemington spring crowd when he turned in the worst race of his career to miss a place in the Group One Turnbull Stakes.Littorio, whose only previous win was in a two-year-old maiden at Sale on debut last year, lived up to his recent consistent form to claim the spoils.The Nigel Blackiston-trained Littorio had finished third to Weekend Hussler in his two runs this campaign but turned the tables in emphatic fashion with his stylish victory.Jockey Steven Ki

Champion Weekend Hussler stunned the big Flemington spring crowd when he turned in the worst race of his career to miss a place in the Group One Turnbull Stakes.

Littorio, whose only previous win was in a two-year-old maiden at Sale on debut last year, lived up to his recent consistent form to claim the spoils.

The Nigel Blackiston-trained Littorio had finished third to Weekend Hussler in his two runs this campaign but turned the tables in emphatic fashion with his stylish victory.

Jockey Steven King on Littorio tracked Weekend Hussler throughout the 2000m feature and had the seven-time Group One winner firmly in his sights as the field set sail for home.

But just when Weekend Hussler was expected to stride up to the leaders and figure in the finish, the Ross McDonald-trained superstar started to struggle.

Littorio raced to the lead and safely held off the late charges of runner-up Master O'Reilly and third placegetter Zipping who both rattled home from the rear of the field.

"Just unbelievable, hard to explain," Blackiston said.

"He's been racing super, just hasn't had the luck."

Weekend Hussler failed to fire a shot in the run home and finished eighth.