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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Josh Callinan

Crockett takes fresh path to Kosciuszko

SPOT: Scone trainer Cameron Crockett doesn't plan on racing Mr Hussill between now and next month's Kosciuszko. The six-year-old gelding was announced in the $1.3 million country feature last week. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

SCONE trainer Cameron Crockett wants Mr Hussill to be as "fresh" as possible for next month's Kosciuszko (1200 metres).

The six-year-old gelding won't race between now and the $1.3 million country feature at Randwick on October 16, but a barrier trial at Muswellbrook could be an option according to Crockett.

Racing NSW announced on Friday that Mr Hussill had scored a spot in this year's Kosciuszko, picked by slot winner Allan Lawton of Ganmain.

His most recent run was second in the TAB Highway Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on September 4.

"I'm planning on going five weeks between runs," Crockett told the Newcastle Herald.

"He's had three runs and a couple of trials (since July) and he's rock solid fit.

"I don't want to go into a race like that (Kosciuszko) underdone, but he's that type of horse. He had two years off and won first up on a heavy eight. He's a natural athlete.

"Staying at the 1200m you probably want to have a little freshness in his legs, so ideally he won't be seen publicly unless it's an exhibition gallop.

"But there is a barrier trial 10 days before at Muswellbrook, so if he needs it I might give him a run around there. Other than that he'll go straight in."

Mr Hussill has overcome multiple injuries, including a fractured pelvis, to return to the track in 2021 having debuted with back-to-back wins two years earlier.

He saluted first up in a TAB Highway Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on July 17 and was third a fortnight later.

"He'll probably find it difficult to beat the top four in the race without them having some bad luck and him having some good luck," Crockett said.

"But with the rest of the field he ticks more boxes than most of the others."

This will be Crockett's second crack at a Kosciuszko with Sharpe Hussler finishing seventh in the inaugural race three years ago.

Mr Hussill makes two Scone runners in the Kosciuszko field with Stephen Jones-trained Nadaraja also getting selected last week.

Defending champion It's Me, prepared in the Upper Hunter by Brett Cavanough, recently withdrew.

Tamworth trainer Cody Morgan will race Edit, owned by Australian Bloodstock who also expect to have Mo's Crown on the card.

As of Monday just two of the 14 spots were still available.

Handle The Truth, winner of the Kosciuszko in 2019, was listed as the $5 favourite on TAB fixed odds. Art Cadeau, Victorem ($7) and Front Page ($8) sat on the next line of betting.

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