Trainer Patrick Payne has revealed that classy sprinter Husson Eagle is more than likely to take his position in the field for Saturday’s Listed All Victorian Sprint Series Final (1200m) at Flemington Racecourse.
Husson Eagle is likely to take his position in Saturday’s Listed All Victorian Sprint Series Final. Photo: Daniel Costello
Husson Eagle has delivered Payne several outstanding performances and results throughout his entire racing career since debuting in early 2014 and has returned to racing in typically competitive form this time, having finished a close second in the Gerald Egan Handicap (1100m) last time out on June 24th.
Having finished off the pace in a St Arnaud barrier trial on Tuesday morning, Payne told Racing Victorian that the five-year-old is likely to line up in the All Victorian Sprint Series Final field this weekend.
“It’s a training exercise; he’s a gross, doing horse, so it’s a trip away for him,” Payne said.
“Brad Rawiller rode him; he said he gave him a really good feel, so he looks on track on Saturday.
“Most likely (runs Saturday), if he draws the right side (of the straight) and the race looks achievable for him … there’s an option for him next week at Caulfield, an 1100m race (Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes), but most likely he’ll run this Saturday at Flemington.
“He’s trained on really well, and normally gives you a good run for your money.”
Husson Eagle was outstanding in his debut year; finishing in the minors at black type level several times and running a credible fifth in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), having received no luck in transit.
Undoubtedly producing a career-best performance when he led home an excellent field in the Magic Millions Sprint (1100m) in early 2016, the Husson gelding clearly required a run when thirteenth in the Listed Manihi Classic (1100m) first-up on April 1st, but responded with a smart run for third in the Sports Handicap (1000m) on May 6th; progressing to fourth in the Bruce Gadsden Handicap (1000m) in what was his only other start.
The 2017 All Victorian Sprint Series Final field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
