Racing
Cruisin up for the challenge
Just Cruisin' hoping to go one better.
Hobby trainer Kelvin Hamilton is hoping for a belated Christmas present and third time lucky when Just Cruisin' lines up in the $125,000 WFA Kevin Sharkie The Inevitable Stakes over 1600m in Hobart on Sunday.
In his past two runs, Just Cruisin' has finished second to Durazzo in the Newmarket Hcp (1200m) and then in the WFA Conquering Stakes (1400m).
In Newmarket, Just Cruisin' put up a super effort after drawing barrier 13, then met Durazzo, 5kg worse off at Weight For Age, and went within a head of causing an upset in the Conquering.
A lightly raced 5yo, Just Cruisin' has started only eight times for four wins. He had 18 months off after breaking down in the 2024 Tasmanian Guineas, and it was during that time that the galloper found his way to Hamilton's stable.
"The owner said you've got plenty of time. Would you mind taking him and seeing if you can resurrect him?" Hamilton explained.
And that's what Hamilton has done, since switching stables. Just Cruisin' has raced four times for two wins at restricted level and two seconds, with the seconds being his best two runs.
"Probably should have won the Newmarket if he drew a barrier and could have won the Conquering if First Accused didn't drift off the fence and let the winner (Durazzo) through."
Again, he will meet Durazzo on level terms on Sunday, this time over 1600m. Durazzo has a rating of 103, while Just Cruisin' is an 82 rater.
"He's a horse with a lot of upside, but he's had a lot of problems too; he had leg problems, and he's always got back problems and things going wrong with him all the time. You can't really do the work with him that you want to, but his fitness levels are pretty high at the moment."
Victorian jockey Jett Stanley has been aboard Just Cruisin' at his most recent runs, but a lengthy suspension through the week has ruled him out, and Carleen Hefel will take the ride.
"He used to go good for Codi (Jordan), Codi had a couple of wins on him, I think he goes well for the girls."
It is an action-packed 10-race card, with many Cup hopefuls contesting the 2020m Brighton Cup, and boom youngsters Mazzini and Crack The Shutters will clash in the $125,000 Ladbrokes Tasmanian Guineas (1600m).
The pair has met twice, with the scoreline currently one all. Crack The Shutters won the 1200m 3yo Cup, and Mazzini took out the 1400m 3yo Trophy. Both races were in Launceston.
The first of 10 races is at 13:00. All the action can be seen on Tasracing Live, including pre and post-race interviews.
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