In a clear demonstration of his belief in emerging stayer Thebudgiesmugla, jockey Dylan Gibbons has postponed his end-of-season holiday to partner the horse in the Caloundra Cup.
Gibbons’ planned overseas break, scheduled after Saturday’s Tattersall’s Tiara meeting at Eagle Farm, has been rescheduled. This decision came after Luke Hilton, racing manager for trainer Bjorn Baker, confirmed Thebudgiesmugla’s intention to contest the Sunshine Coast feature.
“I pushed my holiday back to ride him in the Caloundra Cup once Luke Hilton mentioned it,” Gibbons said. “I came in Tuesday morning and galloped him, and I was amazed how he’d come through his last run. After a 2400 metre run, he galloped close enough after that, and just felt amazing. As long as he can hold that into the race he’ll run well.”
Thebudgiesmugla has impressed since arriving from New Zealand last year, winning four of his eight starts for Baker. His maiden stakes victory was in the Winter Cup (2400m), with Gibbons in the saddle.
The gelding has maintained a perfect record over the 2400m trip. Gibbons indicated that if Thebudgiesmugla performs well at Caloundra, it could set him up for more significant races next season, following the path of Half Yours, who won the Caloundra Cup 12 months prior before going on to win the Caulfield-Melbourne Cups double.
“If he can take care of business next Saturday, they can aim higher with him,” Gibbons stated. “The staying ranks do thin out a bit in Australia, and I think he’s the right horse to continue going through the grades. He has ticked the 2400 metre box a few times and won in Listed grade, so hopefully he can start to step up and take on the better horses.”
Gibbons also noted Thebudgiesmugla’s adaptability on different track conditions, having won on surfaces from good to heavy. This flexibility is seen as a crucial advantage given Queensland’s often unpredictable winter weather.
“The wetter the better, but he can do it on top of the ground,” he commented. “He’s got a great racing style, and he is flying at the minute.”
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