The connections of Brooklyn Hustle are keeping their options open about a start in the Manikato Stakes despite holding a preference to run on Derby Day instead.
The Jason Warren and Dean Krongold-trained mare has proven a disappointment on paper this campaign after two unsatisfactory runs and wants to get the five-year-old back in winning form.
Warren said Friday night’s Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) was shaping as a race worthwhile of having a crack at, however the owners of the mare were considering options down the straight on Derby Day.
The Group 2 TAB Stakes (1200m) or the Group 3 Furphy Sprint (1100m) for mares were the races under consideration.
“It’s shaping like a good year to have a go at the Manikato, but the owners are pretty keen to go to Derby Day, but they’re keeping their options open,” Warren said.
“It’s more than likely she’ll run Derby Day but we’re keeping our options open on whether to run on Friday night.”
After winning at Group 2 level in Brisbane during the winter, Brooklyn Hustle has had mixed luck in three runs since.
Brooklyn Hustle finished well back in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara at Eagle Farm and in two Melbourne runs this campaign has been heavily supported but failed to fire.
She ran off on the home turn when last in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley before finishing fifth in the Group 3 Northwood Plume Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 9.
“She pulled-up fine but it’s a real shame that she didn’t get any daylight,” Warren said.
“At The Valley she left the gates a little bit awkward and then Brett (Prebble) pushed the button and she speared off on the corner.
“She was like one of those dragsters, they can’t turn after they’ve lit up, so it’s been a disappointing start to the campaign for a horse that is absolutely flying.”
The final field and barrier draw will be announced on Tuesday.
Keywords – Brooklyn Hustle, Jason Warren and Dean Krongold, The Valley, Manikato Stakes, Flemington, TAB Stakes, Furphy Sprint, Moir Stakes, Northwood Plume Stakes, Tatt’s Tiara