Hursley
Bruno Cannatelli
Some flights of hurdles stiffened the resolve of Hursley (NZ) (Makfi) who proved too strong in Saturday's Three-Year-Old Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield.
Hursley ($10) was schooled over hurdles on Thursday morning after finishing third at Flemington last Saturday and showed plenty of determination to wear down Plymouth Road ($4 fav) over the concluding stages to score by a neck.
Craig Williams rode Hursley to victory at Listed level at Flemington last spring and said the Chris Waller-trained son of Makfi felt more mature.
"Credit to Chris and his team for backing him up," Williams said. "He ran a terrific race last week over a mile and they changed his training during the week.
"He went over some logs and took to it well apparently."
Williams said drawing a single figure barrier was a significant factor in winning.
"Drawing close to the fence meant I was able to position where I wanted to be in third place behind the lead and that made all the difference," Williams said.
'The jumping had sharpened him for sure. I rode him in the spring and he certainly felt stronger today.
Hursley ($10) was schooled over hurdles on Thursday morning after finishing third at Flemington last Saturday and showed plenty of determination to wear down Plymouth Road ($4 fav) over the concluding stages to score by a neck.
Craig Williams rode Hursley to victory at Listed level at Flemington last spring and said the Chris Waller-trained son of Makfi felt more mature.
"Credit to Chris and his team for backing him up," Williams said. "He ran a terrific race last week over a mile and they changed his training during the week.
"He went over some logs and took to it well apparently."
Williams said drawing a single figure barrier was a significant factor in winning.
"Drawing close to the fence meant I was able to position where I wanted to be in third place behind the lead and that made all the difference," Williams said.
'The jumping had sharpened him for sure. I rode him in the spring and he certainly felt stronger today.
"He's got the maturity now to handle some tougher racing and down in grade today made it a bit easier." www.racenet.com.au