Prime Thoroughbreds owner Joe O’Neill is confident Husson Eagle will make the grade in Group company after a superb first-up victory at Caulfield on Easter Saturday.

Not seen since the Melbourne Cup carnival, Husson Eagle swooped from last on the corner to win the Bill Collins Hcp (1000m) by a half-length clocking a slick 57.28s.  “He’s a serious sprinter this horse but early on was a real handful,” O’Neill recalled.  “We decided to have him gelded and bring him back for two runs this campaign.”

Husson Eagle (4g Husson – Tie Me Up by Royal Academy) is trained by Patrick Payneand will now head to Adelaide for the G2 Euclase Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville On May 2.  “He has a good turn of foot and was suited by a fast pace today,” O’Neill said.  “He’s probably a better horse over 1200 metres.”

Husson Eagle’s only other win in 9 starts was at Bendigo last September but he had been stakes placed behind Bring Me The Maid at Flemington and Eloping at Caulfield.  A $42,500 buy at the 2013 Adelaide Magic Millions, he is from the family of G1 Caulfield Guineas winnerWonderful World.

His dam Tie Me Up has a 2yo colt Prince Of Tie (Casino Prince) with Gold Coast trainerBruce Hill, a yearling filly by Husson and she was bred back to All Too Hard in September.

Husson (Arg) sired his first Group 1 winner when Lucky Hussler landed the William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last month.  The Vinery resident has four yearlings catalogued for the Inglis Easter yearling sale headed by colts from Group 1 winning mares Sun Classique (Lot 214) and Bel Mer (Lot 303).