Sussman will carry the hopes of a small stable located in the picturesque Yarramalong Valley on the NSW Central Coast when he runs in the Listed Christmas Cup at Rosehill on Saturday.The seven-year-old is prepared by the well-travelled John Hubbard, a former trotting trainer.Hubbard raced trotters in Canada and the US and was foreman to legendary trainer-driver Kevin Newman for seven years in Sydney.Sussman is the Wagga Wagga-born trainer's stable star and the first runner from his team of 10 to

Sussman will carry the hopes of a small stable located in the picturesque Yarramalong Valley on the NSW Central Coast when he runs in the Listed Christmas Cup at Rosehill on Saturday.

The seven-year-old is prepared by the well-travelled John Hubbard, a former trotting trainer.

Hubbard raced trotters in Canada and the US and was foreman to legendary trainer-driver Kevin Newman for seven years in Sydney.

Sussman is the Wagga Wagga-born trainer's stable star and the first runner from his team of 10 to compete in a stakes race.

As a trotting trainer Hubbard prepared plenty of winners at places like Harold Park and Albion Park.

"I had around 300 winners in Australia and then trained winners in Canada where I was for two-and-a-half years," Hubbard said.

"I spent five years in America and trained winners there too before coming home to Australia in 2002 and getting back into the gallops, which is where I started out as trackwork rider as a young bloke."

The Commands gelding comes into the Christmas Cup (2400m) after running a neck second to Two Towers at Hawkesbury over 2000 metres on November 19.

Jockey Hugh Bowman will reunite with Sussman and will be hoping for more luck on him after his saddle slipped at Hawkesbury.

Two starts back Sussman stormed home to beat Deltona by a head over 2200m at Warwick Farm in October.

A month earlier, he cruised to a 1-1/2 length win over Want A Bet at Newcastle in a 2300-metre race.

"The trip certainly won't worry him, he's been hitting the line strongly in those trips beyond 2000 metres," Hubbard said.

"He's a pretty light-framed horse and that's why we space his runs and he's had plenty of time to get over that last run and looks good for Saturday."

Having already had a look at Christmas Cup rivals Deltona and Two Towers, Hubbard said the field is a pretty even bunch with the exception of Rainbow Styling.

"He's definitely the horse to beat but having him there is good for us because we know there'll be plenty of speed in the race," Hubbard said.

"He's (Sussman) probably a better horse these days when we hold him back a bit and I expect Hughie to have him midfield and then get him out late.

"I'm not saying he's a good thing or anything like that but the horse is fit and well and he's in good form and I'd be disappointed if he doesn't run a really good race."

Rainbow Styling is the $2.40 favourite on TAB Sportsbet for the Christmas Cup while Sussman is rated a $14 chance.