Trainer Grahame Begg has indicated that a wet track at Flemington is not ideal for his mare She’s A Hustler, but she will still contest the race as she progresses towards the Caulfield Cup.
Flemington track manager Liam O’Keeffe has forecast significant rainfall, potentially up to 50mm over the next two days, which could see the track rated in the heavy range.
She’s A Hustler is slated to compete in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes over 2000 metres on Saturday. This event will serve as her final preparation run before the Caulfield Cup, scheduled for October 17.
The mare, trained by Begg, last raced after a winter spell, finishing fifth behind Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12.
“She was good last time,” Begg stated.
“I think the one key factor was she got back on the good ground and last preparation she only got on two good tracks and they were her best runs.
“It doesn’t look that we will get that on Saturday, looking at the forecast, but we’ll be running as it’s two weeks out from the Caulfield Cup.
“We don’t want to be running in the Might And Power (on Saturday week) and then back up seven days later into the Caulfield Cup, even though I did do it with Nonconformist, but he was a gelding.
“Hopefully Flemington will miss the bulk of the rain.”
Begg added that She’s A Hustler has shown considerable improvement since her initial run back from a break.
Crucially, the mare demonstrated better settling behaviour, an aspect the stable has been diligently working on throughout her 16-race career.
“Her wellbeing has come on greatly for her first-up run,” Begg confirmed.
“Her coat has dapples coming out in it. She has tapered down well, her work has been good, and she’s ticking all the boxes at this stage.
“And getting her to settle has been a big thing. We’ve been trying to get her to come back and relax and switch herself off.
“We’re focusing on October 17 and if we can get a similar type of run as to the other day, then we’ll be happy.
“There doesn’t look to be a lot of speed in the race with Sir Delius likely to take control and Light Infantry Man could roll forward.
“We’ll be riding her where she’s comfortable and giving her that opportunity.”
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