Houdini Hal Continues Stables Fine Run

Houdini Hal Continues Stables Fine Run

Aug 05, 2016

Peak fitness and a distinct liking for heavy going were two key factors in Houdini Hal losing his maiden status at Wyong today, and in doing so giving the Anthony Cummings stable a third winner in six days.

The strapping chestnut sat midfield until the 500 metre mark where rider Tommy Berry sooled him around the tiring leaders, ready to strike.

The mare Naretha looked likely to put up some resistance but when Berry asked Houdini Hal for an effort on straightening he took command running to the line relatively untouched to win by a length and a half. Naretha held on for second with Satirical Dame back in third a further three quarters of a length away.

Houdini Hal was bred, and is raced, by a partnership made up of long term stable clients Julia Ritchie of Bangaloe Stud, Jean Paul Cuvelier and Hal Dyball in conjunction with Anthony. The lightly raced four year old is by Magic Albert out of Snippet’s Gift, a daughter of the noted sire of mudlarks in Snippets.

After the race Anthony said the intention would be to continue to place Houdini Hal to advantage possibly making the most of the current spate of wet tracks in Sydney and the provincial circuit.