When he finds open spaces, Husson galloper Lucky Hussler has a sprint few can hold off and Saturday’s $400,000 Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) was made to order.
Ridden by Glen Boss, Lucky Hussler came with a barnstorming finish from well back in the field to capture his second win at the highest level and crack the $1 million barrier in prizemoney.
Boss had time to stand up in the irons for the photo as Lucky Hussler defeated Perth star Disposition by a length and a quarter with the winners stablemate Stratum Star a short half-head away in third.
It was back to back wins for trainer Darren Weir after Trust In The Gust scored 12 months ago.
But the trainer said he had concerns in the run.
“Geez I was thinking this is going to be unlucky but to the horse’s credit, when they get into a buffeting duel like that, it takes a bit out of them but he was very strong through the line and it was a great result,” Weir said.
It’s a great thrill. “He’s been a great horse for us.
“He’ll probably go to Moonee Valley for the mile race (Crystal Mile) and then onto the Emirates (Stakes) and I think that’s a pretty good plan to stick to.”
It was the second Group 1 for Lucky Hussler after his triumph in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley back in March.
A $100,000 purchase from the Monarch Stud draft at the 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling sale, Lucky Hussler takes his overall record to 7 wins, 4 seconds and 3 thirds from 31 starts for earning of $1,159,350.
The 6yo gelded son of Husson (ARG) is closely related to the champion Weekend Hussler.
While the former Australian Horse Of The Year is by Hussonet (USA) out of the Helissio mare Weekend Beauty, Lucky Hussler is by Hussonet’s son Husson (ARG) out of Weekend Beauty’s daughter Talaq Dancer a daughter of Black Hawk (JPN).
Lucky Hussler is the first and only foal out of Talaq Dancer who died in October 2011.
After five seasons at Patinack Farm, Husson (ARG) moved to Vinery Stud in 2013 where the handsome chestnut stands for a fee of $13,200 this spring.
