Racings latest super star confirmed his status at Caulfield on Saturday when Weekend Hussler took out the Melbourne Racing Club's $1m, Group I, The Age Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in spectacular style.

It was breathtaking to watch the turn of foot that the Ross McDonald trained Hussonet gelding showed in not just one, but in two phases of the race.

Weekend Hussler, under Brad Rawiller, was away quickly from barrier two and then Husson Lightning and Murtajill came over and took up the running. Rawiller allowed Weekend Hussler to settle further back, almost to mid-field, and then he eased off the rails to make sure he had clear room ahead.

Passing the 600m Rawiller set Weekend Hussler alight and they came in strides to the leaders simply cruising as they swung four wide running the final turn. Off the turn once again Rawiller let Weekend Hussler go and the effort was just as explosive with a 2L margin at the 300m, and then more as they moved away from the field on a different level.

Weekend Hussler had not been asked to gallop like this before in a race, and Rawiller kept him to the task as this was serious work and lessons had to be learnt for the future as well. However, he handled it well and the winning margin was 2 3/4L to prove it.

Rawiller did not salute after he crossed the line, even though he must have been relieved, but on returning to scale he patted Weekend Hussler on the rump as they paraded to the winners stall.

Scenic Blast (Scenic) was second and Marching (Commands) third, the margin a long head. Davcon was fourth 1L away. The time was 1.36.42 and the final 600m was covered in 36.23. Weekend Hussler paid $2.00 on STAB

"That word potential just might have gone now," said McDonald as his wife Margaret wiped tears from her face.

"Brad rode him to perfection. He plan was to make sure he was not boxed in as we knew he was the best horse in the race."

"He is unbelievable," said Rawiller.

"He is a super star. He has got levels on levels and just wait until he has something to chase.

"His cruising speed is just way above anything else.

"The pressure hit me a bit yesterday at the press conference but I had a good talk with (brother) Nash who has been under it before. It was a big bonus drawing two and not one as I was able to stay off the fence.

"I didn't wanted to get into a speed battle but he did cop a bit of a bump early and over-raced early. I wanted to get around Danny Brereton at the 600 metres as he wasn't going that great and I knew I was on the best horse. It was a top win.

"Thanks to all the family who are here today," he said to loud cheers from the large family supporting group.

"To all the owners I cannot thank them enough for keeping me on and giving me a chance," said the modest and hard working jockey.

"It was wonderful to see the hype and expectations confirmed," said Greg Carpenter, chief handicapper for Racing Victoria.

"A super star was confirmed.

"To me it was his turn of foot before the turn and then when he let down that showed something special.

"It is special for the McDonald family who work so hard, and also for racing as well as well as we needed a superstar. He could definitely race on the international scale," he said.

Other jockey comments included:

Scenic Blast (Stathi Katsidis) - He ran well. Decided to go forward and then to steady and come back but we got caught three wide. If Brad goes to the fence we get in. He got to about a length with 250 to run but that was as close as we got.

Marching (Damien Oliver) - His run was super. They went a little quicker than I thought but he got a lovely suck into the race and finished off well.

Davcon(Darren Gauci) - He ran very well. I wanted to be midfield and we slotted in well. I was quite happy in the run and he's a relaxed sort of horse. He's going well for the Derby.

Husson Lightning (Dwayne Dunn) - He failed to run out the mile.

Murtajill (Corey Brown) - He was awful. Worked hard from the wide gate but he had a cushy run. Time for the paddock.

Shrewd Rhythen (Craig Williams) - He got a lovely run and was following the favourite who just over-raced a bit. When he sprinted we got left in his wake. I was a bit like a ping pong ball at the top of the straight.

Barbaricus (Steven Arnold) - It was a strong run mile and he was off the bridle the whole way. He stuck on well and continues to race well.

Cecconi (Hugh Bowman) - He was disappointing.

Dandy Dollar (Mark Zahra) - He was beaten at the 400 metre mark. He's probably had enough for this preparation.

Pit Lane (Luke Nolen) - He didn't back-up from last week and his preparation has been a bit rushed.

Emjay Hussey (Vlad Duric) - He went fantastic. I was really pleased with the way he kept chipping away. I think we've learned something with him today. We've been riding him upside down. He's off to the paddock now.

Morgan Dollar (Danny Brereton) - He didn't run out the trip today.

On The Warpath (Michael Rodd) - It was a good run. He's still immature.

Pillar of Hercules (Sebastian Murphy) - He had every chance but it was a good Derby trial.

Kinugawa (Danny Nikolic) - He didn't have the best of runs but he struggled with this class.

Weekend Hussler is by Hussonet out of the Helissio mare Weekend Beauty. McDonald selected him from the 2006 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $80,000 from the draft of Arrowfield Stud, as agent.

McDonald put together an ownership group who includes Ms J Kewish, J Bath, Stoneworkz Racing Syn, Mrs S Rush, Mrs W Stewart, Mrs G O'Donoghue, Mrs L O'Connell, Mrs P Troedel, Ms J Stosius and Mrs M Moloney.

They have turned down a reported $2m offer for their exciting galloper, but have the satisfaction of watching him win four races from five starts, earning stakes of $660,000. McDonald might also start Weekend Hussler again over the spring carnival in the Group I Emirates Stakes if the horse comes through his Caulfield Guineas win well.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

© Thoroughbred News Media Partner Published 13/10/07