Magic Millions Target For Pure Hustle
- Saturday, 29 October 2011 03:01
The Gai Waterhouse-trained Pure Hustle could be Magic Millions bound after producing an impressive debut victory at Rosehill on Saturday.
The son of Purrealist wasn't the best to begin from barrier one in the Furzer Crestani Accounting Handicap (1100m) but mustered speed to hold the inside advantage and scooted to the lead.
The gelding, who started $4.80 on track, rolled along in front before kicking for home and he had enough in the tank to defeat the Clarry Conners-trained Report ($6.50) by 1-3/4 lengths with another 1-1/4 lengths back to Peakhurst Girl ($14).
Waterhouse's stable representative Mark Newnham said the addition of blinkers since Pure Hustle's only barrier trial had really sparked the gelding into action.
"He went terrific today," Newnham said.
"He trialled without blinkers and was a bit green but Gai has put the blinkers on since then and it's really sharpened him up.
"Barrier one is also a big help with two-year-olds."
Pure Hustle sold for $42,500 at this year's Magic Millions yearling sales and Newnham said Waterhouse was likely to head towards the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) in January.
"Gai got him at the Magic Millions and I would say, depending on how he comes through today, that she would probably like to target that with him now," Newnham said.
Pure Hustle was ridden by Tommy Berry who won the Magic Millions on the Neville Layt-trained Karuta Queen earlier this year and he would like to see the debut winner head to the Gold Coast.
"I hope so because I won it last time and it would be nice to go up there with another chance, if I can stay on him," Berry said.
"He's a very nice horse and has got a lot of improvement."
A number of high-profile sportsmen are in the ownership of Pure Hustle including former rugby league player Luke Ricketson who is engaged to Waterhouse's daughter Kate.
Anthony Minichello, Jason Ryles, Ryan Cross and Doug Bollinger are also in the ownership.
