Owner’s luck in slot draw sets up Commando raid on Kosciuszko

Scone trainer Cameron Crockett has always had the big picture in mind when Country Championships runner-up Commando Hunt returns at Dubbo on Sunday, so he couldn’t believe his luck when one of the gelding’s owners drew a slot in The Kosciuszko.

The five-year-old is set to resume in the Evergreen Turf Vincent Gordon Flying Handicap (1100m) at Dubbo, and, with part-owner Des Kennedy one of the lucky 14 slot winners, Crockett said he won’t be anywhere near as nervous for the first-up run.

“It makes things easier,” Crockett said. “It would have been a bit of a worry because, even though I can set him for the race and tell everyone he’ll be ready third up, if he didn’t win people could think that’s not good enough.

“For this horse to be at his best he’s got to be third or fourth up.

“I want him peaking on Kosciuszko Day. I don’t want him peaking before then.”

Sharpe Hussler ran seventh in the inaugural The Kosciuszko for Crockett, and last year Mr Hussill finished sixth behind Art Cadeau, but neither had the luxury of being specifically aimed at the race.

Commando Hunt is one of three horses Crockett has engaged in the Dubbo sprint today, although it’s possible Don’tforgetmonica and Primal Scream could be saved for other races depending on the track condition after rain on Thursday.

While Commando Hunt’s first-up record doesn’t make for great reading, he’s rarely found a wet track when resuming. But with the Kosciuszko slot locked away, Crockett can be more comfortable about the first-up run.

“I think he will get back and settle,” he said. “I’d expect him to be finishing his race off really strong. I’m only looking to see my horse run well; he’s still got to run well.”