MORN FEB 17 - HUXSSEN SHINES IN HAREEBA STAKES

By Scott Gooley | Thursday, February 18, 2010

Mornington, February 17, 2010.
Track - Good 3. Rail - True.
Hareeba Stakes (Listed - Open Handicap) -1200m. Time: 1-09:72 (Carrying 53kgs)
1 Huxssen; 2 Mr. Baritone; 3. Captain Coltish.

A superb ride by James Winks has seen the four year old gelding Huxssen ($7.00) claim the Listed Australia Unity Hareeba Stakes at Mornington on Wednesday.

Having his first start since November of last year, the son of Hussonet jumped from gate eleven in the field of twelve runners.

Winks allowed Huxssen plenty of time to find his feet in the early stages of the race and as the field, piloted by Zyzxx raced past the 800m mark, Huxssen was third last and the best part of ten lengths off the lead.

With a little over 400m to run, Zyzxx still held a length lead. However he would soon find himself under pressure as joint race favourites Captain Coltish and Carrara ($3.10), who were travelling in second and third place respectively, began to stake their claims.

At the same stage of the race Winks, who had elected to stick close to the fence when the field fanned running into the home turn, found himself in a precarious position, still five lengths off the pace and with a line of horses on his immediate outside.

As the field rounded the home turn and with those on his outside weakening, Winks began to ease Huxssen who was full of running, away from the fence.

Straightening for the run home it was Captain Coltish who had ran to the lead, a length in front of Carrara and Mr Baritone ($21.00) who was closing rapidly.

Behind this leading trio was Huxssen with Winks ever easing the Rodney Douglas trained galloper to the outside.

With a 150m to go and still three lengths off the lead, Huxssen finally had clear running in front of him and began to unwind in devastating fashion.

Inside the last 50m Mr Baritone, who had collared Captain Coltish, was in turn immediately surpassed by Huxssen who flew down the outside to record a long neck victory.

Captain Coltish held on for third a further three quarters of a length away.

Despite being on the fourth line of betting, Douglas was confident of his charge’s chances.

“I thought he was my best chance today. He’s such a gifted galloper.

“I said to Winks before that race, this horse got beat three and half lengths to All Silent at set weights with penalties and if they go hard enough, they won’t beat him.

“He’s a serious group horse. It was a good ride and he’s a good horse.”

Winks also shared Douglas’ confidence during the run.

“About the half mile, I went back to the fence I was that confident on him and he just sucked up behind them.

“From the turn I was in a bit of an awkward spot, but I was lucky Mr. Baritone was going good enough and I didn’t have to stop his (Huxssen’s) momentum.

“I didn’t hit him because he was giving me his best and he really lengthened to the line.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Prior to the running of this race trainer M Price advised stewards that it was the stable’s intention to ride Running Riot back from the wide barrier. Running Riot was ridden accordingly.

Emjay Hussey raced wide without cover throughout.

Shortly after entering the straight Benelli (NZ) and Running Riot came together. Running Riot then raced tight for a short distance between Benelli (NZ) and Midnight Mustang near the 100 metres.

B Rawiller, rider of Midnight Mustang, which performed below market expectations, stated to stewards that he was beaten for speed and he believed he raced in an inferior part of the track approximately three horses off the rail.

C Newitt, rider of Spirited Halo, reported that the gelding travelled well until placed under pressure prior to the home turn, however when placed under pressure failed to respond to his riding. A subsequent veterinary examination of Spirited Halo failed to reveal any abnormality.

C Williams, rider of Carrara, stated that he felt the colt was looking for the slower tempo of a 1400 metre event. He added that he felt Carrara was harshly weighted for a three year old against older horses.

Winks