MORNINGTON-based racehorse trainer Jason Warren couldn’t be any happier with his gun two-year-old Brooklyn Hustle’s return on Saturday 9 February despite finishing fifth in the Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) at Caulfield.
Brooklyn Hustle was all the rage for the $1.5 million Group One Blue Diamond Stakes on Saturday 23 February following her barnstorming last to first debut victory in December last year, but her most recent run has left some people questioning her capabilities.
But, not her trainer, Jason Warren.
“I thought it was a great run,” Warren said.
“She ran the second fastest last 600m, 400m and 200m of both the two-year-old races on the day so her sectionals were very good.
“She had one soft trial heading into that so the run will bring her to her peak and she’ll be a lot better off in the [Blue] Diamond over 1200m.”
Warren has been adamant on making sure his talented filly would peak at the right time and so far he believes everything has gone to plan.
“We’re spot on,” he said.
“She had a gallop at Mornington this morning… I’ll take her to Caulfield on Tuesday for her final gallop and she’ll gallop on the course proper there with someone like Bel Sonic from the stable.”
Jockey, Beau Mertens, will take the reins in the Blue Diamond after partnering with the filly on debut.
“Beau Mertens came down and rode her [in her Mornington gallop] to just have a feel – he was really happy with her,” Warren said.
“He’s got a good affinity with the horse… and he’s a very good jockey.”
The barrier draw for the Blue Diamond Stakes will take place at Caulfield on Tuesday 19 February where Warren is hoping to draw in between barriers two and seven.