Consistent sprinter Lucky Hussler has earned himself a start in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes after an explosive win in the Group 3 $150,000 Sportingbet Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield today.

Lucky Hussler scores an explovise win in the Moonga Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Race Horse Photos Australia.

The Darren Weir trained Lucky Hussler had been placed at his three Spring runs this preparation but the addition of the blinkers saw the Husson five year old  explode in the straight to score a runaway winner for Glen Boss.

Boss was aboard Lucky Hussler at his last start when a narrow second in the Listed $120,000 Headquarters Tavern Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on October 4 and Weir knew then that he would put the blinkers on for today’s race.

The additional gear worked a treat and the five year old will now be aimed at the Group 1 $1m Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 8.

“The horse has been racing really well,” Weir said.

“At his last start when he sort of got to the front he just looked like he needed blinkers and I obviously put them on at the right time and got the right result.”

“It was a terrific ride. He got into a three wide sort of lane and went at the right time and when he went he sort of put them away quick.”

“He’s in good order so I guess we will go ahead to the Emirates.”

“He’ll get well on the weights.”

Lucky Hussler was the second leg of a winning double for Weir after the stable scored earlier in the day with Stratum Star in the Listed $120,000 Crown Lager Stakes (1400m).

Lucky Hussler ($10) ran away at the finish to score by over three lengths from Under The Louvre ($7) and Generalife ($7) while the well fancied Leebaz ($5.50 favourite) was caught up behind traffic in the straight and was never really tested in the run to the line.

Visiting Japan galloper Admire Inazuma was well backed from $10 into $6.50 but was always near the tail of the field and failed to beat a runner home in the fourteen horse field.