Chuck A Luck has broken through for his maiden Australian victory in a head-bobbing finish at Mornington.
Having his second start since joining the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable after an eight-start career in New Zealand, Chuck A Luck took out Saturday’s Mornington Guineas (1600m).
Under the urgings of Jye McNeil, Chuck A Luck, the $4.40 favourite, got the bob in to deny Power Scheme ($14) victory by a nose with The Lifeline ($9) 1-3/4 lengths away third.
Chuck A Luck brought up a race-to-race double for Busuttin and Young following the win of Salsamor in the Peninsula Essence Magazine Handicap.
With Busuttin and Young in Sydney for Saturday’s Golden Slipper meeting at Rosehill, assistant-trainer Brendon Hawtin said Chuck A Luck had shown potential in New Zealand despite winning only one race.
Before transferring to Australia, Chuck A Luck had finished sixth to star New Zealand three-year-old Catalyst in the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton (1600m) in November.
Hawtin said the stable was looking forward to the future with Chuck A Luck.
“He’s got a good motor and it was good to see him tough it out,” Hawtin said.
“It was a good ride from a good gate and he probably saved one-and-a-half lengths by cutting back to the fence.”
Hawtin said the South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville in May was the likely target for Chuck A Luck.
Salsamor rung up a winning hat-trick with his win following victories at Flemington and the Wangaratta Cup.
“The horse is in really good form and it’s really good for the owners,” Hawtin said of Salsamor.
“He was on the sidelines for a while and it was a long road back, so to win three in a row, who’s to say that he’s finished there.”