By Glenn Davis
Co-trainer Peter Hulbert has cautioned punters ahead of former Sydney cast-off Bezzina’s bid for back-to-back wins at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
Bezzina was formerly prepared by champion trainer Chris Waller and is a $3.50 chance in the Class Two Handicap (1200m).
Bezzina was knocked down for $220,000 at the Magic Millions yearling sales in 2016 but his career has been limited to only 10 starts.
Waller managed only one win from eight starts before his former connections sold him six months ago.
Hulbert has had the four-year-old for only two starts, finishing fourth in a Class One at the Sunshine Coast on December 1 before a last start win on the same track in a 1200-metre Class One on January 4.
“We got him at the right price and I can tell you it was a lot cheaper than what he cost at the sales,” Hulbert said.
“He’s as sound as a bell but I think he was only sold because they didn’t think he would measure up to the Sydney class.
“He was on the market and a few of my owners wanted to pitch for him.
“When we first got him, he was a bit lean and immature so we put him straight out for a decent spell before he had his first start for us at the Sunshine Coast.”
Hulbert, who trains in partnership with his son Will, said he expected Bezzina to run well again but he was concerned he may be looking for further.
“He’ll race well but he gives the impression he’s looking for 1400 metres,” Hulbert said.
“He needs to be a bit fitter for 1400 metres so we decided to give him another run over 1200 metres before stepping him up in distance.
“We’re still learning about him.”
Hulbert has no big plans in mind with Bezzina, unlike his stablemate Oh Five Glory who finished fifth in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast on January 12.
“It was a terrific run from Oh Five Glory and she’s in the paddock now preparing for the winter carnival,” he said.
“I think she’ll get 1400 metres so the Sires’ Produce is her main aim and she’ll be nominated for the (Group 1) J J Atkins.”
The filly is raced by a group of Wests Tigers supporters and named in honour of the Tigers 2005 NRL grand final win.
Racing Queensland webnews January 20