She’s A Hustler proved she is every bit a genuine stayer when stepping up to 2400 metres for the first time at Caulfield, powering home to claim Saturday’s Group 2 Zipping Classic.
The Grahame Begg-trained mare added to her burgeoning résumé with a victory that not only showcased her toughness but also placed her firmly in next year’s Caulfield Cup conversation.
With seven wins and four seconds from 11 outings, her strike rate continues to elevate her among the most reliable gallopers in the country.
Begg confirmed Brisbane’s Q22 and a winter campaign were already on the radar as a likely stepping-stone to the Cup, mirroring the successful pathways used by recent Caulfield Cup winners Incentivise and Half Yours.
“You have to have those ambitions,” Begg said.
“She’s a beauty, a winning machine, she’s never finished further back than second in 11 starts (with) seven wins.
We may go to Brisbane for one or two runs up there, something like the Q22 and then back down here. The Q22 is a great race and it sets them up for the spring.”
Her tenacity was on full display after a checkened moment rounding the bend allowed Light Infantry Man his chance to pinch a break. But once balanced, She’s A Hustler reeled him in late to win by a short neck, with Etna Rosso finishing third.
The Kiwi import has built consistency throughout the spring, running second in the Matriarch Stakes and scoring in the Tesio Stakes during the Cox Plate carnival.
Regular rider Jordan Childs said Saturday’s win showed there was still more upside.
“The way she’s going about it, she’s still got improvement there,” Childs said.
“She doesn’t know how to fully put races away, but I think she’ll keep improving.
To tick that off over 2400 metres today, it will hold her in good stead for next prep.”
The mare’s win formed part of a Stakes double for Childs and Begg, who earlier captured the Twilight Glow Stakes with Ruska Roma.
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