Lucky Hussler broke through for a maiden win at the highest level first-up this season, however trainer Darren Weir has confirmed he will not progress to the featured Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) on June 6th.
Lucky Hussler will not contest the 2015 Stradbroke Handicap. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Displaying a keen turn of foot to win the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) in impressive fashion on March 27th, Lucky Hussler was luckless when caught wide and blocked for a run in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) on April 8th before failing to fire and seventh in the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) a fortnight ago.
Confirming the Husson gelding is in full health, Weir told Racing Victoria he discussed the credibility of a berth in the 2015 Stradbroke Handicap with the five-year-old’s connections and decided a long break ahead of a 2015 Spring Racing Carnival campaign was in his best interests.
“There’s nothing wrong with him but after discussing it with the owner we decided to give him a good break and concentrate on the spring,” Weir said.
“He was galloped on in Adelaide but I don’t think it would have affected his performance.”
Beginning his racing career under the guidance of Kent Fleming, Lucky Hussler passed through the stables of David Kelly before arriving in the care of Darren Weir following a disappointing campaign through the 2014 Brisbane Winter Carnival; failing to beat a single runner home in a capacity field for the Stradbroke Handicap.
Debuting for Weir third in the Listed Drummond Golf Stakes (1200m) on September 6th, Lucky Hussler ran second in each of the Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1400m) and Listed Tavern Stakes (1400m) before taking out the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) on October 18th.
Ending his campaign a close second to Hucklebuck in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m), Lucky Hussler’s confirmed exit from the Stradbroke Handicap means in-form filly Lumosty has taken another big step towards an appearance with just 50.5kgs.
Lumosty remains at 2015 Stradbroke Handicap odds of $7 with Ladbrokes Australia ahead of Black Heart Bart ($9) and Generalife ($9).
