Unusual Suspect
Graham and Linda Huddy are part of a team of eight who have snapped up the 40 per cent of 2011 Melbourne Cup hopeful Unusual Suspect on sale for a believed amount of just over $300,000.
The Huddys, best known for the ownership of AJC Derby winner Shoot Out, bought their share of the Michael Kent trained galloper through Victorian based Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock principal Darren Dance.
The Huddys also are part owners of another Melbourne Cup chance Lucas Cranich.
The 40 per cent share in Unusual Suspect came about when it’s American interests sold down from 50% to 10% in the eight-year-old entire.
“We got him to race primarily.” Dance said.
“I became aware of the sale last week through bloodstock.com.au and contacted our database to see what interest there was and it was evident a lot of people want to have a Melbourne Cup runner.
“So we decided to bid with eight people and we have been successful.
Unusual Suspect is eighth in the Melbourne Cup order or entry and barring injury will run in the 2011 Melbourne Cup.
“Unusual Suspect is no certainty to run in the Mackinnon Stakes on Saturday but he is definitely in the Melbourne Cup.
“He may run in the Mackinnon if he needs a run, I’ve been told.
“Unsual Suspect has actually been on the market the whole way through but before the Caulfield Cup there wasn’t a lot of interest.”.
Unusual Suspect was one of the eye catching runs in the Caulfield Cup when he finished strongly for sixth behind Southern Speed.
The stallion prospect is a Group 1 winner of the Hollywood Turf in the US.
“We bought into him to run in the Melbourne Cup, it was our sole driver but when you spend good money it is nice to have a safety net for later,” Dance said.
“It is not really about the money though, it is about having a Melbourne Cup runner.
“I had 300 people interested and we went with a first in first served theory.
“There will discussion later about where and when he goes to stud.
“Some of my people have broodmares so there is promise in that area as well.
“He may go back to the US to stand who knows.
“They pay $100,0000 down to 10th in the Melbourne Cup which is great.
“Last Monday I was just going to be watching the Cup and now we are in it – it is great.”
