Wet or dry Hustler will be at Flemington
Grahame Begg says the likelihood of a very damp Flemington is not ideal for She's A Hustler (NZ) (Ace High) as she takes a step towards the Caulfield Cup.
Flemington track manager Liam O'Keeffe says up to 50mm could fall on Flemington in the next two days with the likelihood of that amount pushing the track into the heavy range.
She's A Hustler runs in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) on Saturday as her final hit-out for the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17.
The Begg-trained mare had her first run since a winter break when finishing fifth to Sheza Alibi (Saxon Warrior) in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12.
"She was good last time," Begg said.
"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 (Rebel Raider), but he was a gelding.
"Hopefully Flemington will miss the bulk of the rain."
Begg said She's A Hustler had improved enormously out of her first-up outing.
And importantly the mare settled well, something the stable has been working on throughout her 16-start career.
"Her wellbeing has come on greatly for her first-up run," Begg said.
"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 (Frankel) likely to take control and Light Infantry Man (Fast Company) could roll forward.
"We'll be riding her where she's comfortable and giving her that opportunity."
By Rich Hill Stud stallion Ace High, She’s A Hustler was a $70,000 purchase by Phill Cataldo at the Karaka Book 1 Yearling Sale in 2022 from the Rich Hill draft.
She’s A Hustler is out of Snow Petal, a winning daughter of Group One winning mare Zirna.
