Racing: Weight worry for Brushman

NZ Herald

9 Jul, 2015 05:00 PM3 mins to read

Superturf is in great form for the Wellington Hurdles at Trentham tomorrow. Photo / Race Images

Past Wellington Steeplechase winner appears harshly treated in his bid to win Trentham feature for third time.

If there is an obstacle in Brushman's way tomorrow - no pun intended - it is the 70kg topweight.

That weighting is a little mystifying. Brushman won the 2013 Wellington Steeples under 66.5kg. Between times he has had 19 months away from racing with tendon trouble and in four starts has finished one third. Yet he is required to lump an additional 3.5kg.

It looks a tough gig with second in the handicap, Mr Mor, 2.5kg away on 67.5kg, but Brushman is a tough dog for an old road and this race is likely to require just that.

Owner and trainer Mark Oulaghan is not one to sit and sulk; he just gets on with it but he is wondering a touch about the handicap. "He's done well though and I'm happy with him," which is top-of-the-range enthusiasm from the droll Manawatu trainer.

This is not a great Wellington Steeplechase field - certainly no stronger than either of the Wellington Steeplechases Brushman has beaten.

He was also successful in 2010 and ran second to Tom's Myth in 2012.

Mr Mor has to be the danger. After looking no better than average for a couple of seasons Mr Mor has found far-and-away career best form.

He was impressive late in winning the Hawke's Bay Steeplechase, clearing away from the opposition in the run from the final fence.

His overall form has been consistent and the way he finished off at Hastings suggests he will not have a problem with an additional 700m this time.

No Quota finished a good third in the Hawke's Bay Steeples and rates as at least one of the dangers.

Superturf is one of the most exciting emerging jumpers in recent seasons and looks one of the day's best bets in the $75,000 Lone Star Petone Wellington Hurdles.

He was stylish in winning the Awapuni Hurdles, thanks in part to an extremely patient Charlie Studd ride. He looked almost out of the contest yet powered home to score easily.

Superturf showed he has trained on perfectly by winning on the flat in R85 grade at Awapuni last week finishing strongly to get the result.

Thenamesbond wilted late over hurdles at Hastings, but the track may have been a fraction better than he prefers.

He looked much better winning the KS Browne Hurdles in heavy ground at Ellerslie three starts back.

The footing at Trentham should be much more to his liking.

Stylish 2-year-old Stradivarius can come back to his best form in the third race at Ruakaka tomorrow.

The good-looking Stravinsky colt was impressive winning narrowly on debut at Rotorua then raced below that when sixth at Te Rapa.

That second effort was not a failure because he made ground late on the placegetters. Better footing at Ruakaka should suit. His danger may be Amarula, a winner on this track at the last meeting.