Brad Widdup is looking for a strong finish to what has been a career-best season as he prepares to saddle up three runners at Rosehill on Saturday.
The Hawkesbury trainer has won 16 metropolitan races, eclipsing his previous best of 12, and notched a personal best 59 wins in total, highlighted by the inaugural $2 million The Invitation with multiple Group 1 placegetter Icebath.
“It has been my best season as far as winners go,” Widdup said.
“We’re taking on the big boys and it has been good.
“I am out of the Midways as well. It’s where I want to be because it means you are going alright.”
Widdup is hoping to continue that momentum into the final weeks of the racing term and former Kiwi Brimstone will be his main flagbearer at Rosehill.
Raced by prominent owner and businessman Gerry Harvey, Brimstone was prepared by Cody Cole in New Zealand where he won three races before joining Widdup earlier this year.
His trio of local runs have been full of merit, including a second to the promising Cross Talk at his Australian debut and a last start win on the Kensington track.
“He’s going super. I’m very happy with him leading into Saturday,” Widdup said.
“I’ve got Willie Pike on, 53-1/2 (kilos). I haven’t had a good look at the field yet but those things always please you and he’s a happy horse.”
Widdup also has Moon Reader in the Bowermans Handicap (1200m) and Zouson Boy in the Furphy Handicap (1400m), although the latter is not a certain starter on a heavy track.
Originally prepared in Queensland by champion horseman John Moore, who remains in the ownership, Zouson Boy was a Kembla Grange winner on a good track two starts ago but was well held when third to Saturday’s rival Vinnie’s Spirit on a heavy surface at Newcastle.
“He’s a nice horse but I don’t know if he is comfortable on heavy tracks,” Widdup said.
“I will talk to the owners about what they want to do but we’re also nearly at the end of the season for two-year-olds so we will see.”
While Widdup has enjoyed a tremendous season overall, his recent form has also been strong with 10 winners from his last 50 runners as of Thursday.
