Trainer David Vandyke has relished watching Tuff Tu Mus progress through the ranks, but concedes the time has arrived to test the rising star at Stakes level.
The five-year-old gelding will chase his eighth consecutive win when he contests Saturday’s $160,000 Listed Recognition Stakes at Doomben.
It will be his first attempt in black-type company, though Vandyke is buoyed by his superb recent work and his perfect five-from-five record at Doomben, aided by a favourable barrier seven draw.
“It’s a huge step up from what he’s run in previously, but he’s got a wonderful record with seven-straight metro wins and he certainly deserves a crack at this type of race,” Vandyke said.
“He’s drawn OK in the middle of the line and he’s never been beaten at Doomben.
“The signs are good for a decent performance, but we’re under no illusions that this is a very tough assignment for him.”
The son of All Too Hard wrapped up an unbeaten four-run second prep with an 1815m benchmark 90 victory at Eagle Farm in August after ending his debut campaign with three straight wins.
His only career losses came in his opening two races, both by extremely narrow margins.
In readiness for Saturday, Tuff Tu Mus has trialled three times—two fourths followed by a sharp win over 1000 metres at the Sunshine Coast on November 11.
Vandyke said the latest trial showed the gelding was right on track.
“His last trial was pretty good, he can mix his form in his trials, but he does go well raceday which is the important thing,” he said.
“I’ve given him a fair bit of work, he’s had a few trials and I don’t think the distance will be a worry, I don’t think the track will be a worry, it’ll just be a matter of how it goes in this grade.”
A bold run on Saturday would likely see Tuff Tu Mus head toward the Magic Millions meeting this summer.
Tiffani Brooker is back in the saddle, with the gelding currently on the third line of betting behind Boomtown Boss and So You Pence.
Before betting on the Recognition Stakes, compare the latest odds at the top Australian betting sites.
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