Stable jockey Nash Rawiller remains optimistic of a six-pronged Golden Slipper charge next weekend from Gai Waterhouse.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Pure Hustle, Later Gator and Valerio all have their chance on Saturday to snatch a last-minute spot in next weekend's $3.5m juvenile feature, where they'll line up against stablemates Pierro, Raceway, Driefontein and No Looking Back.
Fillies Later Gator and Valerio are both well in the market for the Magic Night Stakes (1200m), but punters believe Pure Hustle and the rest of the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) field will be playing second fiddle to Melbourne speedster and odds-on favourite All Too Hard.
“I was extremely impressed with what I saw with All Too Hard in Melbourne but in saying that, this colt's got really good ability,” Rawiller told Sky Sports Radio ahead of taking the ride on Pure Hustle.
“You've got to forget his run at Warwick Farm last start, he missed the start and was all at sea, he's never been in that position before.
“It was all a bit of a learning curve for him. I'm sure I'll be able to get him to jump a bit better on Saturday and put him into the race and give him his chance to at least give that horse something to run down.
“If I can ride him that way he'll be a very good chance.”
Rawiller links up with Later Gator for the first time on Saturday, while regular jockey Tommy Berry partners Valerio.
“She's really impressed me this filly [Later Gator], she flew under the radar there for a long time and just gradually kept putting her hand up and saying I'm a little bit better than you think,” Rawiller said.
“She's been able to go to the races and keep raising the bar. Saturday will be her biggest test so far but she continues to impress at home and I'm sure Saturday will give us a really good guide on whether she can get into the Slipper.
“She's probably got to win but they'll certainly know she's there.”
Rawiller is booked to ride Pierro next weekend, the equal second elect by punters for the Slipper, rated a $6 chance on TAB Sportsbet fixed odds alongside All Too Hard.
Blue Diamond winner Samaready remains the raging-hot $2.50 favourite.
Rawiller was left delighted with Pierro's win in last weekend's Todman Stakes (1200m).
“I was over the moon with him, he was probably taken a little bit by surprise 100 out, he lost sight of the bunny there for a few strides,” Rawiller said.
“Once he caught sight of Kerrin McEvoy's mount [Epaulette] he really lifted and dug deep and I thought he was outstanding to win.
“He's just a horse who's had his three starts now and won them all and two of them have been real dog fights and he's come out on top.
“He knows where the post is and he's a real fighter.”
