Last Minute Gamble Pays Off for Bakuhatsu

Wulguru trainer Joanna Hassett is planning a shot at the Lightning with unheralded sprinter Bakuhatsu after pulling off a stunning class jump at Cluden Park yesterday.

Hassett and owner Mick Waters were elated after the class 3 performer backed their last-minute decision to take on open sprinters and claim victory in the Mitavite Sprint (1000m).

Ridden by his regular partner three kilo claiming apprentice Cody Collis, Bakuhatsu led most of the way to clinch the win and remain unbeaten at Cluden in three starts.

“Originally I had him nominated for the BM75 over 1200m but with 10 minutes to go I looked at the noms and there was only eight in it and I thought maybe it’s not such a silly idea,” Hassett said.

“I rang Cody and he said it was the only race he didn’t have a ride in and I said let’s chuck him in.

“It was a bit of a whim and it all paid off.

“I’m just a bit wary of him over 1200m yet because he is just a real fierce going horse and his head is not where it should be so I thought 1000m was more up his alley at the moment. 

“He won very well and it’s all a bit surreal. He’s definitely skipped the grades impressively.”

Bakuhatsu, meaning explosion in Japanese, went onto the race with wins under big weights at his only two Cluden runs, both over 1000m.

With Collis’ claim, the gelding ran with just 51kg and scooted over the 1000m course to win in 56.81secs on a soft5 surface to beat the eye-catching Plenty with Funky Music third.

Hassett is now hoping the handicapper doesn’t overly penalise Bakuhatsu for the win and will aim the four-year-old at the Lightning.

“He was a 69 rater going into today’s race and they’ll probably slam him for winning an open so the Lightning is probably his next option.

“He might get into a BM75 down the track but we might as well give him a go against the big guns.”

Brisbane based jockey Nathan Day capped off his season with a strong win aboard Deadly Diva in the Mitavite Winter Cup (2000m).

The win guaranteed Deadly Diva a start in the Townsville Cup and consolidated Day’s position in second on the jockeys premiership with 21 victories, 10 behind Lacey Morrison.

Day, a veteran in the riding ranks, has landed 61 winners across the State but sat out three months through suspension.

“Lacey had a big year and deserves to win it. I would have given her a run for her money but for the suspension,” Day said.

“I don’t worry too much about premierships but it’d be nice to win one here in Townsville.

“Townsville is really booming.”

Day said Deadly Diva earned her chance at a Cup run.

“She did a good job. The Cup will be a lot harder obviously and it might be a year too soon for her, but if she gets a wet track her chances will improve.

“She’s got a start and you gotta have a go.”

Pictured: Bakuhatsu after his win at Cluden on 28 June. 

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