Trainer Wez Hunter is bullish about his chances of a breakthrough Group One triumph at Caulfield on Saturday.
And he is not ruling out the prospect of a feature double, insisting Futurity Stakes runner Smokin’ Joey and Blue Diamond hopeful Malaguerra are live chances.
A gallop on the course proper at Caulfield on Tuesday enhanced Hunter’s belief that Smokin’ Joey is primed for his first-up assignment in the Futurity (1400m).
Smokin' Joey, Chris Symons
“It was his best gallop I’ve ever seen from him and Jason (Benbow) rode him and was glowing in his praise,” Hunter said.
Smokin’ Joey put Hunter on the map with a Group Three win on Derby Day at Flemington last spring at his first start for the stable.
A week later he went within a half neck of winning the Group One Emirates Stakes.
Hunter is convinced the residual fitness from the horse’s November trip to Perth, where he finished last in the Railway Stakes, will give him the groundwork to run boldly over 1400-metres.
“(Trainer) Pat Carey taught me years ago that residual fitness with fresh legs is the best thing in a racehorse and that’s what this bloke has got,” Hunter said.
“He didn’t get unfit in his time out and he’s come back better than ever.”
Malaguerra initially appeared borderline to gain a start in the $1 million Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) field so Hunter was rapt when he secured a berth.
The colt, who will jump from barrier one, finished a last-start ninth to Rubick in the Prelude when he was unable to be fully tested in the straight.
“He didn’t get much luck in the Prelude and he’s drawn a great gate on Saturday so I think he’s in it up to his ears,” Hunter said.
“He’s going to have the right run without spending a penny.”
Hunter has been training for three years and says a Group One win would be a massive boost.
But he can’t split which of his pair might be more likely to deliver it.
“I’ve got goals like everyone else and to win a Group One is one of them. I want to tick that off as soon as possible, and Saturday would be fine.”
