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Monsieur Gustave launches summer campaign in Keith Noud

17 November 2017

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By Glenn Davis

Trainer Darryl Hansen is hoping Monsieur Gustave can continue his good first-up form when he returns to racing in the Listed Keith Noud Quality at Doomben on Saturday.

Monsieur Gustave has not raced since winning the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on his home track at the Sunshine Coast on July 1.

The five-year-old began his career with the retired Jason McLachlan and has had only two campaigns for Hansen.

Under Hansen, Monsieur Gustave won first-up in class one grade at Caloundra in August last year and finished fourth in his comeback last winter in a benchmark race at the same track ahead of claiming Listed wins in the Eye Liner Stakes and Glasshouse Handicap.

His second-up form is even better with three wins from four starts.

“I’ve only had him for two campaigns and he’s coming along nicely and has had one jump out,” Hansen said.

“His program for the summer kicks off with tomorrow’s race then it’s on to the George Moore Stakes and Lough Neagh Stakes.

“His grand final and ultimate aim is the Magic Millions Cup in January.”

Hansen has already tasted Magic Millions glory with Le Chef who claimed the Magic Millions Classic in 2015.

In latest UBET markets, Monsieur Gustave is a $13 chance behind $4.60 favourite Hi I’m Back.

Hansen is not looking too far ahead with the five-year-old who has won six of his 15 starts.

“I want to get his summer program out of the way before we look any further down the track towards the Brisbane winter,” he said.

“The main thing is he’s in good order and will definitely improve after this run.

“Here’s there to win.”

Apprentice Tiffany Brooker who won the Eye Liner Stakes on Monsieur Gustave has been handed the riding duties in the Keith Noud Quality.

Hansen rates Tony Gollan’s pair Most Important and Hi I’m Back as the main threats to Monsieur Gustave.

“I think Most Important will be hard to beat as will his stablemate Him I’m Back,’ he said.

“Hi I’m Back is racing well and gets in well with his light weight.”

Careless riding suspensions have forced Gollan to book Michael Cahill to ride Most Important while Matt McGillivray will partner Hi I’m Back.

Racing Queensland webnews  November 17