CO-TRAINER Peter Hulbert feels they stumbled upon a winning formula with Criminal Defence in his latest run and he’s hoping the same tactics might trump the Rough Habit Plate for his career highlight on Saturday.
Criminal Defence is attempting to become the eighth horse to complete the Rough Habit Plate-Group 1 Queensland Derby double when he runs in the 2400m feature on Saturday.
Hulbert and his son Will prepare Criminal Defence, who shocked punters by taking out the Group 3 Rough Habit Plate a fortnight ago.
The least surprised person on course was Will Hulbert, telling reporters “I’ve told anyone who would listen for six months he’s a Derby horse,” although Peter admitted he didn’t share his son’s confidence.
“I’ve always been a reserved sort of person. Will’s a bit more out there than me and oozes confidence in everything,” Hulbert senior said.
“I said if we finish in the first five I’m going to be thrilled. When he shot clear when they straightened, I couldn’t believe it to be honest, it was just sensational.
“I’ve been training just over 40-odd years now and that would have to be our biggest thrill, particularly the fact Will and I train together. That makes it all the more special.”
Peter Hulbert said Michael Rodd’s ride, where he let the son of Nicconi roll forward from a wide gate, made the difference.
“He’d had the blinkers on and had never been a horse that began well enough to take up a forward position,” Hulbert said.
“Michael Rodd suggested to Will we take the blinkers off and I know it would have been a slower tempo stepping up to the 2000m, but in saying that, that’s the best he’s ever begun.
“I would say now we know that formula worked, we will go with it again.”
Hulbert watched the Rough Habit from home and let Will do the on course duties and he has no intention of changing that for the Derby.
He was heartened by reports from Will and regular track rider Adin Thompson after Criminal Defence worked at Eagle Farm on Tuesday morning.
“They both came back with glowing reports. Adin in particular was very impressed and he’s ridden him from day one,” he said.
“To me physically, the horse has improved since the Rough Habit, even though he’s well into his campaign.”
With Michael Rodd out for the carnival, Melbourne Cup winning jockey Jye McNeil has been called up for the ride.
