Jimmy Auld has some ominous news for any rivals hoping to block Hooksy">Hooksy’s path to the Group 1 Peter Mosman Classic Final at Wentworth Park this Saturday night.
The flying campaigner (pictured in heats action) goes into the semi-finals as the fastest qualifier from last week’s heats, having clocked an impressive 29.36 over the 520m.
With an incredible 10 wins from his last 12 starts, the Victorian-trained dog will be heavily backed to seal a place in next Saturday’s decider.
Co-trainer Auld said his charge had enjoyed a good week’s preparation and is raring to go.
“He didn’t pull up too bad,” Auld said. “He was not that tired.
“For sure, I was really impressed with his time last week. If he can produce another one like that this week then he’ll definitely be in with a good chance.
“It’s been a normal week for us. We’ve given him a couple of free gallops up the straight here at home.
“He’s looking good.”
Hooksy will start from box three in the race, which is the first of three semi-finals on a super card of racing at the Glebe track.
Sub 30-second runner Warrior King has been scratched from the heat but Stilton Blue goes from box five and looms as a big threat.
Auld, who trains the dog alongside wife Tanya and will drive up from their Tatura base tomorrow morning, said he was happy with the draw.
“I was happy with that,” he said.
“He knows the box and it suits him well.
“It’s a long day for us but he always travels well and the drive won’t bother him too much.
“I’ve been doing this for 50 years so I don’t get too nervous now.
“Every dog in the race has the ability to win it. It’s just what happens at that first corner that helps decide it - you know he could get into trouble.
“But yes – I’m pretty confident.”
The second semi-final is tough to call, with no less than six of last Saturday night’s Sub-30 second performers grouped together.
Push It (box two) will be aiming for a fifth consecutive win but has flying Zipping Delta, who clocked 29.49 last Saturday night, on his outside.
Flying pair Tommy Brislane and Cawbourne Whip go head-to-head in the third heat from boxes four and five respectively.
Box six dog All Strung Out may be a relative novice but showed his class with an impressive 29.55 run last week and will also catch the eye.
Ten races are on the card and action starts at 7.30pm.
For Wentworth Park Saturday night fields, forms expert tips, click here.
