Special filly taking it all in her stride

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Jason Warren has the luxury of both a relaxed and precise build up toward a Group 1 target with his exciting 2-year-old Brooklyn Hustle (Starspangledbanner).

The Mornington-based conditioner ticked off his first goal with the youngster following her impressive debut victory in December.

Raced by breeders Rosemont Stud, Brooklyn Hustle had trialled in fine style before she went to Moonee Valley and nothing she did there, overcoming a tardy start for an outstanding win, surprised Warren.

“We’ve always thought she was a bit special and she’s done everything very easily and taken it all in her stride,” he said. “She’s got the right attitude.

“She’s the best 2-year-old that I’ve ever had in my care, very exciting.” – Jason Warren.

“She’s the best 2-year-old that I’ve ever had in my care, very exciting.”

Jockey Beau Mertens aboard Brooklyn Hustle

“She’s got enough prize money to get in the Blue Diamond S. and she’s always been aimed at that.

“She’s going to have a jump-out at Mornington on January 30 and then she’ll be running in the Blue Diamond Prelude and the Diamond second-up.”

Diamond favourite

Brooklyn Hustle has been installed a $6 favourite in the TAB's fixed odds market for the $1.5 million Blue Diamond to be run at Caulfield on February 23.

Golden Slipper favourite Tassort (Brazen Beau) is on the second line at $8, but the James Cummings-trained colt is listed as doubtful for the Melbourne race.

“She had 10 days in the paddock at Rosemont after Moonee Valley and then 10 days on the water walker,” Warren said.

“She came back to me on Christmas Eve, it was better waking up to her than not.” – Jason Warren.

“She came back to me on Christmas Eve, it was better waking up to her than not.”

Warren said while Brooklyn Hustle hadn’t been away from the action for too long, it had done her the world of good.

“She’s grown a bit and matured. She’s a bit higher in the rump and levelled up. She’s a good size and she’s always been very straight forward.”

Pedigree notes

Brooklyn Hustle is out of Joint Aspiration (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), whose four wins included the Listed Gaviola S. and she finished runner-up in the G3 Lone Star Distaff H. Two of her foals to race have been successful.

She is out of a half-sister to the former champion European sprinter and G1 Haydock Sprint Cup winner Red Clubs (IRE)(Red Ransom {USA}), also a multiple Group 2 winner and top-flight placegetter.

Active at Gold Coast

While Warren’s immediate focus is on Brooklyn Hustle’s Group 1 campaign, he was still scouring the Magic Millions Gold Coast complex last week for his next star.

“We got six really nice yearlings up there and at different budgets,” he said.

His highest-priced purchase was a son of Redoute’s Choice bought out of the draft of Baramul Stud for $250,000.

“I looked at about 150 yearlings and he was definitely one of my top picks.” – Jason Warren.

“I looked at about 150 yearlings and he was definitely one of my top picks,” Warren said. “Gerry Harvey sold him and he’s a smashing looking colt.”

A half-brother to a pair of winners, the youngster is a son of the Encosta de Lago mare Zastava, who won on two occasions.

She hails from potent Group 1 family that Pencarrow Stud’s Sir Peter Vela has had so much success with and counts Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}), Romanee Conti (NZ) (Sir Tristram {IRE}), Grand Echezeaux (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and Darci Brahma (NZ) (Danehill {USA}) within its ranks.