Lucky Hussler fits the profile of a Magic Millions Guineas winner, according to jockey Matthew Palmer.
Lucky Hussler claimed a major scalp when he defeated boom colt Sizzling in the Vo Rogue Plate, the traditional Guineas lead-up, at Doomben on December 29.
In the past six years, Gold Edition, Graceful Anna and Punch On had their final lead-ups in the Vo Rogue before winning the Guineas.
Palmer says Lucky Hussler’s Vo Rogue win was no fluke and is confident of a repeat performance in the Guineas.
“Winning the Vo Rogue proved he’s up to this level and, if anything, he’s taken a step forward in his trackwork and attitude since that race,” Palmer said.
“He’s still a young horse who’s developing and learning but he did everything right at Doomben and was good enough to beat Sizzling.”
If recent history in the Guineas is any guide, Lucky Hussler’s wide barrier won’t be a disadvantage.
Every Guineas winner since Gold Edition in 2007 has started from a double figure barrier.
“He’ll come into 13 if the emergencies don’t run which isn’t such a bad result and you get a good run down the back straight from the 1400-metre start,” Palmer said.
“I know the track well, I know the horse well so I’ll be looking to give him an easy run somewhere just off the speed.”
Winning the Magic Millions Guineas would close a difficult chapter for Palmer, whose career has been littered with injury.
“No sooner do I get going then I get hurt so hopefully I can stay injury-free and things can snowball,” the 26-year-old said.
“Lucky Hussler is a plum ride to land and definitely my best chance to win one of the big Millions races.”
Lucky Hussler is an $11 chance in the Guineas with Sizzling the $5 favourite although he is being challenged for top billing by the Gai Waterhouse-trained duo Driefontein and No Looking Back who are listed at $5.50.
Glyn Schofield will ride No Looking Back, replacing Blake Shinn who was forced to relinquish the ride after suffering from dehydration at Thursday’s Gosford meeting.
