Hughes Has Faith In Minnesota Shark
Tuesday, 21 October 2008:  | | Minnesota Shark |
Two weeks ago Hughes headed into the Caulfield Guineas with Minnesota Shark thinking it would be great guide to his chances in the $1.5 million AAMI Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday week.
Instead, the Flemington trainer left Caulfield scratching his head and looking for reasons for Minnesota Shark's uncharacteristic flop when 13th in the Guineas.
In a strange twist, Hughes has taken some solace from just how bad the run was.
“If he had of finished fifth, sixth or seventh you would then know he's probably not good enough. Being beaten 15 lengths though was very disappointing and you can say it just wasn't him. It was too poor to be true,' Hughes said.
Minnesota Shark runs in Saturday's $200,000 AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley (2040m) in a bid to resurrect his Derby chances.
Hughes took Minnesota Shark to Moonee Valley for a track gallop over 1600m last Saturday morning and was thrilled with the work.
“It was really pleasing. It gave me confidence to push on to Saturday and that he would show me enough to get to the Derby and be genuine a chance,' Hughes said.
Hughes will also alter Minnesota Shark's gear on Saturday.
"I'm putting on a tongue tie, a noseband and the blinkers as well to try and get him to concentrate better," he said.
Minnesota Shark will be Hughes' first AAMI Victoria Derby runner but he can call on some expert advice from his father, Tommy Hughes Sr.
Hughes Sr was one of Melbourne's best trainers for over 30 years and went close to winning the Victoria Derby on two occasions in 1976 with Salamander, who beaten a nose by Unaware, and El Qahira's Son, an unlucky fifth in 1995.
"This week has become very important," Tom Jr said.
"When Minnesota Shark started this campaign I really thought it was a formality he would make it through to the Derby and be one of the leading chances.
“Now it's come down to the AAMI Vase."
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