Weekend Hussler is primed to redeem himself in the Group One Futurity Stakes following a pleasing gallop on the course proper at Caulfield.The seven-time Group One winner cruised over 1600 metres on Saturday with track rider John Salanitri aboard and was timed to run his final 400m in 25 seconds.The four-year-old had winkers on and worked keenly but was not out to make time and pleased trainer Ross McDonald with the way he pulled up, hardly blowing after an easy week.McDonald had Weekend Hussler
Weekend Hussler is primed to redeem himself in the Group One Futurity Stakes following a pleasing gallop on the course proper at Caulfield.
The seven-time Group One winner cruised over 1600 metres on Saturday with track rider John Salanitri aboard and was timed to run his final 400m in 25 seconds.
The four-year-old had winkers on and worked keenly but was not out to make time and pleased trainer Ross McDonald with the way he pulled up, hardly blowing after an easy week.
McDonald had Weekend Hussler thoroughly checked out during the week after his lacklustre fifth of seven runners behind Apache Cat in the Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on February 14.
The gelding had blood tests and chiropractic treatment on his back after what was his fourth successive defeat.
McDonald could not come up with an excuse after the Australia Stakes other than that the horse may have jarred his back.
Weekend Hussler has had a week of walking and light exercise but will have a serious gallop on Tuesday morning to fit him for the step up to 1600 metres at his third run this preparation.
Rival trainer Mick Price intends to start both Alamosa and Light Fantastic in Saturday's Futurity.
Alamosa was a slashing first-up second to Maldivian in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 8 while Light Fantastic was fourth in the race at his second run this campaign.