Trainer Darren Weir will launch a three-pronged attack at the C F Orr Stakes with a trio that has already experienced Group One success at Caulfield.
Weir will saddle up Lucky Hussler, Trust In A Gust and Stratum Star in the first Australian Group One race of the year which will feature a host of top-level winners.
Lucky Hussler returned last month to win the $1 million Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast on January 9 while Trust In A Gust ran fifth in the Group Two Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley on January 23.
Stratum Star, last year’s Group One Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner over the same course and distance as the Orr, hasn’t raced since finishing down the track in the Mackinnon Stakes on October 31.
“Stratum Star will have a jump-out or a good solid gallop on Monday at Terang,” Weir said.
“The other two horses had a trial last Wednesday at Warrnambool and both went good.”
Lucky Hussler, winner of the Toorak Handicap at Caulfield in the spring, scored a convincing win at the Gold Coast on the same day stablemate Mahuta won the $2 million Magic Millions Guineas.
“We’ve just kept Lucky Hussler ticking over and Trust In A Gust has come on nicely since his first-up run,” Weir said.
“I thought Trust In A Gust ran well first-up and his condition just gave out late. He’s come on but will still benefit more from this race.”
Trust In A Gust claimed the Rupert Clarke-Toorak Group One double at Caulfield during the 2014 spring.
Glen Boss continues his association with Lucky Hussler.
“He’s a solid horse and has built up a nice record,” Boss said.
“You’ve just got to space his runs and keep him fresh. That’s the key to him.”
Weir’s runners at Caulfield on Saturday also include Australian Guineas contender Mahuta in the Autumn Stakes (1400m).
