October was a massive month for Hazel Park Racing, highlighted by stable star Our Last Cash being selected and running in the 2 Million Dollar Kosciuszko.
With 20 runners across 6 meetings for 4 winners and a further 5 placings we were able to secure just over $98,000 in prize money for connections.
A month full of highlights began with a double at Wagga, with two runners engaged at the meeting. It was Miller Time who began the day on a perfect note. A large roar from her massive group of connections echoed the Wagga Grandstand as she came past the post well clear from her opposition for what was a much deserved second career win and she continues to build a nice record over the short course in the SDRA.
Then it was Keith’s turn, tackling the mile(1600m) for the first time in his career after 20 plus starts as a sprinter, we knew he would lead but for how far we weren’t so sure. As expected, Keith built a big lead along the back straight and as they came around the bend into the straight everyone watching on soon realised, he wasn’t going to stop, cruising down to the line to win by 6.97 lengths and delight quite a large crowd who had backed him based on his middle-aged male name.
Both Miller Time and Keith were partnered by Emma Ly, a 3 kilo claiming apprentice based with Gai Waterhouse in Sydney.
Exactly a week later here at Albury it was Snap Book’s turn to return to the winners stall, after a massive run in a Tab Highway earlier in the prep, where some would argue a softer barrier would of meant victory, Snap Book easily accounted for his rivals over 1600m showing a his class as he drew away from a gallant Keith who set the pace once again. It was a well deserved victory for Snap Book who is a progress type and he will continue to improve as he steps up in distance and this certainly won’t be his last win for connections.
It was only 48 hours prior to Snap Book’s dominant victory that Donna and team were preparing Our Last Cash for another trip to Flemington when her phone rang, on the other end was Scott who unfortunately had just received the news that the horse he had selected in the Kosciuszko had been scratched. After a quick negotiation with connections the transport for Flemington was cancelled and Our Last Cash had secured a run in the biggest NSW Country race there is.
An exciting week leading up to race day and as it unfolded Our Last Cash had the exact preparation he would of if selected in the race earlier. He travelled up to Sydney better than he ever has before and partnered by Rachel King took his place in the Kosciuszko. After drawing barrier 13 of 14 the one positive from this was that he would avoid any trouble out there. How wrong we were, on jumping Our Last Cash was sandwiched between runners and squeezed out the back to last, a patient King balanced him up and got him into a nice rhythm, he then finished off extremely well running the third quickest last 600m of the race.
The big month was topped off by the talented 4 year old Arthur The Great showing his class here at Albury last Saturday. With Nick Heywood back in the saddle after he partnered Arthur to victory on debut by a huge margin at Narrandera, the Flying Artie gelding settled nicely for Heywood and although he was 3 wide the trip, he came away to score well in what was a high-quality class 1. With plenty of improvement to come Arthur looks to have a bright future.
At this stage November looks like it will be even busier than October, highlighted by Our Last Cash heading back to Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Before that though we have multiple runners engaged today at Wagga, Tumut, Corowa and Canberra in what will be a huge 5 days for the stable and we hope to start the month of a winning note.
There is plenty more happening here at Hazel Park and we will continue to keep you posted with our latest news and runners.