Lucky Hussler is on top of the 2017 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes tips of Deane Lester and the form experts believe the Darren Weir-trained galloper is the value runner in the Group 1 event at Caulfield tomorrow.
Lucky Hussler has the chance to record another Group 1 victory in the Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Lucky Hussler was beaten as a clear favourite in the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 14 and he has missed the placings in four of his past five starts, but Lester told RSN that the Husson gelding is more than capable of going one better than his effort in the Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes last year.
“It is going to be a terrific race and the fact that they have drawn the outside two barriers is very much an advantage for Malaguerra,” Lester said.
“He has the tactical speed to go forward and Black Heart Bart will have to slot in somewhere, so could be caught out.
“I am tipping that there is an upset in the offering here and that Lucky Hussler can beat them both.
“He had no luck at the Gold and he should have won this race last year when he ran second.
“The barrier draw is perfect and nobody is riding better than Damian Lane at the moment.
“Lucky Hussler is poised to get the run and can pick them off late.”
Divine Prophet is the only three-year-old in the 2017 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes field and the Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas winner has been rock-solid at his quote of $8 throughout the week.
Lester has a big opinion of Divine Prophet, but he believes that the son of Choisir will be better suited over further and probably doesn’t have the speed to win the Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes over 1400 metres.
“It is interesting that they have brought him down here for this race.
“They did that with All Too Hard when he was a three-year-old and he won this race coming off a Caulfield Guineas win.
“He has trialed up nicely and he will be strong late, but I am not sure that he has the versatility of an All Too Hard to win a race like this at 1400.”
Black Heart Bart is currently available at 2017 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes odds of $3.80 and he is a narrow favourite from Malaguerra ($4.20), Lucky Hussler ($6.50), Divine Prophet ($8) and Ecuador ($12).
