Track: Soft   Weather: Overcast

A field of eight have accepted for the Weekend Hussler Stakes.  Four of these had their last start in Sydney and two carry the famous Blue Silks of Godolphin.  Windstorm has opened a short price favourite on the back of a good win last start over the 1400 m at Caulfield.  He looks perfectly drawn in barrier five for William Pike.  Cuba ran well first up in Sydney, that form has since been franked with Probabeel winning the group one Epsom Handicap last week.

Phaistos has had a spell since his last run but has had two trials in readiness for this.  He has a good first up record and Damian Oliver is booked to ride.  Runson has put in two very decent runs this preparation and is the likely leader, he does his best work on firmer footing so will hope that the rain stays away.  Travimyfriend is racing well and managed to topple the favourite Windstorm at Flemington two starts ago.  Archedemus has a good win strike rate and is first up.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Duca Valentinois

The nine year old put in a good effort first up signaling he still has a zest for racing.  He doesn’t have a lot of gate speed which will likely leave him in a tricky spot back on the fence however the step up in distance suits.

2. Runson

Runson has returned with two very solid placings at Caulfield.  A good track is key for him and if he gets that (looking unlikely) then he can be in this for a long way.

3. Travimyfriend

Got back in a slowly run race last time which did not suit. He gets a weight swing on some key rivals this time around and If he can jump a little bit cleaner don’t count him out.

4. Cuba

Finished second to subsequent group one winner Probabeel at Randwick first up.  He was suited by a slow tempo on that occasion but there are no group one horses in this race.   A good Jamie Kah ride can see him feature in the finish.

5 . Archedemus

Another one of the Sydney siders.  He has had a short break  and two barrier trials to get himself ready for this race.  Has an impressive win strike rate of 7 from 17 starts.

6 . Windstorm

Windstorm found a lovely spot in the run last start and was able to notch up the first win of his Melbourne campaign.  He goes up 1.5kg in the weights but looks to get a lovely run again for William Pike.  The one they have to get past.

7 . Phaistos

Two wins and a placing from his previous four first up attempts.  Some other things to like here are the booking of D Oliver and a nice barrier.    Has looked okay in recent jump outs and is one of the chances in this.

8.  Beehunter

Thought his first up effort, although over an unsuitable trip, was disappointing.  He was heavily back there so it may pay to forgive.  is yet to miss a place at the 1400m.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

The track was rated as Good 4

Scratchings were – nil