DARREN Weir will saddle up two of the top fancies in one of the big feature miles of the Victorian Spring Carnival, the group 1 $400,000 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.
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Lucky Hussler and Stratum Star are on the second line of betting behind the Lee and Anthony Freedman-trained Disposition.
Stratum Star is fresh from victory in the group 1 $400,000 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, 1400m, at Caulfield on September 26.
Lucky Hussler finished sixth in the same event - less than two lengths back, without ever getting a real look in.
The now six-year-old joined Weir's select band of group 1 winners in the autumn this year when he took out the William Reid Stakes, 1200m, at Moonee Valley.
Caulfield launches the first of Melbourne's three big spring carnivals on Saturday, with the Toorak Handicap complemented by the $1m Caulfield Guineas, 1600m, and $500,000 Thousand Guineas, 1600m.
The Toorak is not likely to be Weir's only major interest on the card.
He is also set to send around stayers Taiyoo and Prince of Penzance in the group 2 $400,000 Herbert Power Stakes, 2400m - each among Melbourne Cup nominations.
Import Dandino continues to shape as Weir's best Melbourne Cup hope among his four remaining entries – also including Prince of Penzance, Taiyoo and Zantec – after Tuesday’s second acceptances .
The 2013 Caulfield Cup runner-up stamped himself as a genuine contender with his luckless fourth in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on Sunday.
Although he remains a candidate to run in the Caulfield Cup again – being among third acceptances on Tuesday, it has been suggested his likely path to the Flemington on the first Tuesday in November is the Geelong Cup and Mackinnon Stakes.
Here is how Weir's nominations for some of the spring's biggest races shape up after Tuesday’s round of acceptors:
BROADWAY AND FIRST
Nominated for Blue Sapphire Stakes (3yo) at Caulfield on October 14. Had just one start for Ballarat maiden second on April 30. Races in 3yo benchmark, 1000m in Ballarat on Wednesday.
DANDINO
Nominated for Caulfield Cup on October 17 and Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3. Ran a huge fourth in group 1 Turnbull Stakes, 2000m, at Flemington on October 4 after sitting three wide the journey.
JUSTA HINT
Nominated for Caulfield Classic (3yo) at Caulfield on October 17. Still a maiden after four starts, but placed in latest three outings – twice in Ballarat. Ggoing around in 3yo maiden, 1600m, in Ballarat on Wednesday.
MADDIE MOO MOO
Nominated for Blue Sapphire Stakes (3yo) at Caulfield on October 14. Five starts for Swan Hill maiden win two starts ago on September 20 before last-start last at Caulfield
MAHUTA
Nominated for Blue Sapphire Stakes (3yo) at Caulfield on October 14. Raced twice for Seymour second on debut on September 9.
NEW GRADUATE
Nominated for Caulfield Classic (3yo) at Caulfield on October 17, Victoria Oaks at Flemington on November 5. Raced just twice, including Cranbourne third on debut on September 13. Lines up in 3yo maiden, 1600m in Ballarat on Wednesday.
PRINCE OF PENZANCE
Nominated for Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3. Made up ground second-up in Gold Nugget in Ballarat and then finished close upo fifth in JRA Cup at Moonee Valley on October 2
STRATUM STAR
Nominated for WS Cox Plate at MV on October 24. Broke through for first group 1 success after a couple of near misses, taking out Rupert Clarke Stakes, 1400m, at Caulfield on September 26.
TAIYOO
Nominated for Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3. Unplaced in four runs since resuming in August after big summer campaign.
ZANTECA
Nominated for Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 3. Finished midfield in two runs this campaign.