His current connections can’t lay claim to coming up with his name, but they are hoping Thebudgiesmugla can continue making a name for himself as a stayer of promise.
The former New Zealander rises to 2400 metres for the first time this preparation in Saturday’s Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Handicap at Randwick, striving to maintain his unbeaten record over the journey.
The five-year-old won his only two 2400m runs at Rosehill in the spring and trainer Bjorn Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton, said his last start fifth over 2100m at Gosford suggested the horse was ready to peak.
“His run was full of merit at Gosford. He got taken on early when they made some mid-race moves and he was still pretty tough second-up,” Hilton said.
“He gets out to 2400, it’s his ideal distance and some cut in the track will definitely bring him into it.”
Thebudgiesmugla arrived in Sydney late last year after being purchased out of New Zealand by syndicators Darby Racing, a formula they’ve used successfully in the past with the likes of Goldman and Campaldino, who both started their careers across the Tasman.
Hilton says the name suits the horse, even if it wasn’t his current ownership group that came up with it.
“He’s a cool horse and Darby does an amazing job when they find the tried horses,” he said.
“He came across with the name, but it’s a great name and it will get a bit of a cult following, hopefully.”
If Thebudgiesmugla can continue to take the right steps, Hilton confirmed a rise to stakes company could be on the cards in the near future.
“Bjorn put him away with the idea of being back around winter time and maybe having a look at Queensland,” Hilton said.
“We’ll see how he goes on Saturday. There are a lot of nice options for him, and if it’s not this preparation, it might be into the spring in a staying race.”
Thebudgiesmugla will be among four Randwick runners for Baker along with Amazing Eagle and Snack Bar in the Uphire Handicap (1000m) and Mawjood in the final race.
Baker has an uncanny knack for winning the final event on the card and after three solid runs from a spell, Mawjood is expected to be competitive.
“We’ve kept him sharp for those first few and given him a good grounding,” Hilton said.
“Winkers go back on Saturday and he’s ready to peak. He enjoys wet ground as well so if he can get his toe in it will help.”
