Dual Group 1 winner Lucky Hussler is in fine shape as he chases back to back wins in the Group 1 $500,000 Mitchelton Wines William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Thursday night.

Lucky Hussler, above, is chasing back to back wins in the Willliam Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley. Photo by Adrienne Bicknell.

Lucky Hussler caused somewhat of a minor upset when he won the 2015 William Reid Stakes at the good odds of $12 beating the $5 chance Vain Queen with the $$4.60 favourite Earthquake finishing in fifth position.

The six year old has since won the Group 1 $400,000 David Jones NBCF Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield during the 2015 Melbourne Carnival.

Lucky Hussler’s recent form has been very good as well and trainer Darren Weir took him to the Gold Coast in January to win the $1m Magic Millions Cup (1400m) before running second to Suavito in the Group 1 $500,000 Ladbrokes C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 13.

Weir has kept Lucky Hussler on the fresh side with plenty of beach work to give him every chance of winning his second William Reid Stakes.

“He’s just been down at the beach since. We decided to try and win this race a second time and he’s going well,” Weir told the Herald Sun.

Glen Boss has been aboard Lucky Hussler since the Spring of 2014, including his two Group 1 wins and will be in the saddle again on Thursday night.

Lucky Hussler will carry the number one saddlecloth and has drawn barrier five in the twelve horse field and will start as one of the top fancies this year.

Weir will also saddle up Scarlet Billows who will be taking a huge step up in class in the weight for age William Reid Stakes after running fifth in a 1100m Fillies and Mares Plate at Flemington on March 5.

The Street Boss mare has drawn the rails and will start as one of the outsiders of the field.