A spell in the winter warmth of Queensland has done wonders for Humma Humma who remains unbeaten in two starts during her spring campaign.
Humma Humma recorded a first-up win at The Valley last month before capturing Saturday’s Listed Alinghi Stakes at Caulfield.
Trainer John McArdle said Humma Humma had returned from Queensland after undergoing pre-training at Aquis Farm a bigger and stronger mare than the one which finished her three-year-old racing season in Brisbane.
Ridden by Jamie Mott, Humma Humma ($4.80) charged home to defeat Demerara ($7.50) by a length with Prophet’s Thumb ($6) a short-head away third.
McArdle said Humma Humma had an arduous end to her three-year-old season which included a interstate trips to Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
“She spelled really well in Queensland and returned to us in outstanding nick,” McArdle said.
“We’ve been riding her differently, purely because of two bad gates, riding her a bit quieter and she has that big burst of speed.”
McArdle is eyeing the Group Three Furphy Sprint (1100m) at Flemington on November 2 after which he’ll make a call on the mare’s program.
He said while Humma Humma was not nominated for the Group One Winterbottom Stakes in Perth late next month, it may still be entertained.
“As I said she had a tough time during autumn and winter and whether we call it a day after Flemington and look to the autumn, or look for something else, we’ll work that out,” McArdle said.
“We didn’t nominate her for Perth, we did consider it, but if she wins enough money she could be late entry.
“She travels well, so we’ve got options.”
