The stellar preparation of the Simon Miller trained Hussy By Choice continued today at Belmont, with the 3yo Hussonet filly claiming its third victory this time in from four outings.
Renown for playing “catch me if you can”, the Aquanita star performer again toyed with its rivals throughout, leading all the way in the Westralian Diamond Drillers HCP 1200m, aided by a masterful ride by hoop Ryan (The Boy) Hill.
What made the feat even more impressive was the number of hurdles cleared in securing today’s difficult assignment. Punters were not convinced of Hussy By Choice’s ($4.00 – $5.70) prospects prerace, having seen the horse run down a fortnight earlier after again leading over the 1200m journey and again carrying the “grandstand” (58kg). And to add – throw in a wide draw (barrier ten), a crack field of proven swoopers, and the rail out nine meters to cast further doubt over the filly’s legitimate chances. One thing was for sure – Hussy had to lead – and it did.
Storming out of the stalls upon barrier rise, Hussy By Choice found the front via vigorous riding from Hill and stretched out the field. Mister Panon ($10.00) and Secret Scandal ($8.00) also went forward early, while race favourites Dominating ($2.50) and Dream Lifter ($4.20) both took a sit and waited for their opportunities. Entering the straight, Hussy By Choice shook off the imminent challengers as Hill took hold of his mount, knowing that a final assault from the favourites was looming. And loom they did, as Dominating came quickly, edging closer to the leader inside the final furlong, while Dream Lifter sprouted wings down the outside of the track and was finishing better than any. But Hill had anticipated the inevitable, and drew on Hussy By Choice’s reserve tank – the filly responding over the concluding stages to cling on to a narrow neck victory.
Dominating was game in defeat finishing runner up, with Dream Lifter a further ¾ length astern in third.
It was fifth win from ten career starts for Hussy By Choice, carrying big weights to victory between 1000m to 1400m, and in doing so – has stamped its sprinting claim as arguably the state’s fastest filly.
Chris Blackwell