JOCKEY Dom Tourneur isn't sure if last year's Stradbroke Handicap favourite Hucklebuck handles going right-handed, but he insists it deserves another chance if it runs well in Saturday's Group 1 Goodwood at Morphettville.
Tourneur has partnered the classy sprinter on many occasions and says it was “a bad experience” when it over-raced in both Queensland runs last year – finishing fourth in the Fred Best Classic before running a disappointing sixth in the Stradbroke Handicap behind River Lad.
Since that disappointment almost a year ago, the son of Elvstroem is unbeaten in three starts, with the highlight coming last time out at Flemington in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes during the Melbourne Spring carnival.
The Phillip Stokes-trained four-year-old will contest the Group 1 Goodwood this Saturday where it is currently paying $4.50 at WilliamHill.com.au.
Stokes has the intention of putting the gelding out to spell following The Goodwood due to its poor performances right handed, but Tourneur believes the jury is still out.
“He over-raced in two tries in Brisbane last year which was a bad experience for him,” Tourneur said.
“Because of that experience, Phillip [Stokes] is very cautious about taking him to Queensland again.
The $2 million on offer for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap would be another reason for Stokes to reconsider his plans.
“There are some unanswered questions as we never really got a good guide on him in Brisbane,” added Tourneur. “I'm not sure whether he really didn't handle that way of going in the Stradbroke, or whether he didn't like it being such a slowly run race last year.
Despite the undecided nature of Hucklebuck's future, bookmakers are offering $17 for it to win the 2015 Stradbroke Handicap.
“Logically, the Stradbroke would be the right race for him because the distance is ideal. But whether the connections want to go that way with him, or give him a spell for the spring, we will know after he races on Saturday.”
Hucklebuck heads the field for the Goodwood at $4.50 with equal-second favourite Black Heart Bart currently paying $6 along with Lucky Hussler.
Hucklebuck has prepared for the race by easily winning both trials and Tourneur is extremely confident about picking up another Group 1.
“He has had a flawless preparation and that is what you want to see coming into a Group 1,” he said.
“If he carries his spring form into the Goodwood, he will be very hard to beat.
“He has never tackled a Group 1 first-up so he will have to be at his best to win.
“But his class will carry him a long way.”
Current Group 1 Goodwood market
*Selected runners fancied in the market
Hucklebuck – $4.50
Black Heart Bart – $6
Lucky Hussler – $6
Under The Louvre – $10 at WilliamHill.com.au
Lord Of The Sky – $11
Vain Queen – $13
Gregers – $14
Thermal Current – $15
Trust In A Gust – $15
Yesterdays Songs – $15
Flamberge – $21
Politeness – $21
Reparations – $21
Fast ‘n' Rocking – $31
Prince Harada – $31
Tudor – $51
Husson Eagle – $51