By Ray Hickson
A debut win gave trainer Brad Widdup a sense he has something to work with in Snitzel filly Justina and he hopes she can back it up on resumption at Wyong on Sunday.
Brad Widdup has debut winner Justina returning at Wyong on Sunday.Credit:Getty
The three-year-old half-sister to stakes winner Camdus was put away straight after her Kembla Grange success in September.
Widdup will continue to be patient with Justina as she strengthens and works things out. That said, he can’t see why she won’t be competitive in the Book Your Next Function At Wyong Race Club Handicap (1000m).
“You get your hopes up and you get deflated pretty quickly,″ the Hawkesbury trainer said.
“She has got a pedigree and she seems to be going the right way. Hopefully we can get a bit of racing into her this time in.
“She’s been a filly with a few issues and we’ve been patient with her. Even this time in, depending how she’s going, I’d probably only give her three runs.”
Widdup scratched Justina from the midweek Wyong meeting in preference for today’s race, where she’s drawn a little more favourably. She has had two trials, the latest of which was a win at Rosehill on December 29, and in-form jockey Brett Prebble has been secured for the ride.
“We’ve got to start her off somewhere, and we’ve tried to place her as well as we can for her to perform well,” Widdup said.
Stayer Ausbred Bluebird put two wins together at the end of her last preparation and Widdup is also expecting a positive return without putting unrealistic expectations on her.
The wins came at 2140m and 2340m, so the Coast & Country Meats Wyong Handicap (1600m) is going to be short of her best, but the build-up has Widdup suggesting a cheeky run.
“She should be competitive,” he said. “I’m not saying she’ll come out and win, but her trials have been good. She’s only a light thing who doesn’t carry a lot of weight, so Ithink her fitness is there.”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
