Change of environment just the tonic for Bullrush
The Waikato Stud bred and raced half-brother by O’Reilly to the Group Two Cal Isuzu Stakes winner Sports Illustrated has returned home from Sydney to continue its career with Moira and Kieran Murdoch.
Bullrush was unbeaten in its first five starts for the Hawkes stable. The six-year-old subsequently placed just once in five outings and has not raced since a fifth finish the Listed Abell Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Co-trainer Moira Murdoch said the horse has settled in well since returning to its native land.
“He’s been here since May and we’re very pleased with him, he’s a magnificent-looking horse,” Murdoch said.
“It’s something different for him here at the beach, it’s helping his mental attitude.
“He’s well and we’ve been waiting for the weather to dry up. We’re hoping to give him a trial at Cambridge on Thursday.”
The stable is also keen on the prospects at Pukekohe on Wednesday of Air Centre in the NRM 1200. The four-year-old hasn’t raced since saluting at the first time of asking at Avondale in July.
Murdoch said the stable was not shocked the debut was a winning one.
“That wasn’t a surprise, she’s a very speedy horse,” Murdoch said.
Meanwhile, highly regarded trial winner Vin De Dance will debut in the Ssanyong 1200.
“He’s a big-striding horse who needs a decent track, but we need to kick him off,” said Andrew Forsman, who trains the son of Roc de Cambes with Murray Baker.
“We’re looking forward to getting him to the races.”
Nominated for the Group One Caulfield Guineas, Vin De Dance will be ridden by Matt Cameron who guided the gelding to a trial success at Avondale last month.