Dylan Gibbons, a jockey, has opted to postpone his end-of-season holiday to ride the emerging stayer Thebudgiesmugla in the upcoming Caloundra Cup.
Gibbons had planned an overseas trip following this Saturday’s Tattersall’s Tiara meeting at Eagle Farm. However, this break has been deferred after Luke Hilton, racing manager for trainer Bjorn Baker, confirmed Thebudgiesmugla’s participation in the Sunshine Coast feature.
“I pushed my holiday back to ride him in the Caloundra Cup once Luke Hilton mentioned it,” Gibbons explained. “I came in Tuesday morning and galloped him, and I was amazed how he’d come through his last run. After a 2400 metre run, he galloped close enough after that, and just felt amazing. As long as he can hold that into the race he’ll run well.”
Thebudgiesmugla has been a consistent performer since his arrival from New Zealand last year, winning four of his eight starts for Baker. He secured his first stakes success in the Winter Cup (2400m), with Gibbons in the saddle.
The gelding boasts an unblemished record over the 2400m journey. Gibbons is confident that a strong performance in the Caloundra Cup could propel him towards greater challenges next season, much like Half Yours, who won the same race a year ago before completing the Caulfield-Melbourne Cups double.
“If he can take care of business next Saturday, they can aim higher with him,” Gibbons stated. “The staying ranks do thin out a bit in Australia, and I think he’s the right horse to continue going through the grades. He has ticked the 2400 metre box a few times and won in Listed grade, so hopefully he can start to step up and take on the better horses.”
Thebudgiesmugla’s ability to perform on various surfaces, from good to heavy, is a significant advantage, especially considering the unpredictable Queensland winter weather, according to Gibbons.
“The wetter the better, but he can do it on top of the ground,” he remarked. “He’s got a great racing style, and he is flying at the minute.”
With the Caloundra Cup on the horizon, punters can get involved by checking out the racing betting markets available from various providers.
