Grahame Begg has expressed that a wet Flemington track is not ideal for She’s A Hustler as she continues her path towards the Caulfield Cup.
Flemington track manager Liam O’Keeffe has advised that up to 50mm of rain is expected over the next couple of days, which could result in the track being rated heavy.
She’s A Hustler is scheduled to compete in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on Saturday, this race being her final lead-up event for the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17.
The mare, trained by Begg, had her first run back from a winter break on September 12, finishing fifth behind Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
“She was good last time,” Begg remarked.
“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 indicated that She’s A Hustler has shown considerable improvement since her first-up run.
Importantly, the mare has settled much better in her races, a focus the stable has worked on throughout her 16-start career.
“Her wellbeing has come on greatly for her first-up run,” Begg stated.
“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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