Warrnambool’s $100,000 Lafferty Hurdle on Sunday looms as one of the best hurdle races for the 2018 jumps season, according to trainer Aaron Purcell.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Purcell saddles up this year’s Galleywood Hurdle winner Two Hats and King Of Dudes in the jumping classic over 3200 metres.
“The Lafferty looks like being a super race on the nominations,” the group one-winning trainer said.
“It’s going to be a tough race to win. It looks like it could be a tougher race than the Galleywood. Self Sense is the benchmark.
“He defeated Two Hats last time in the Australian Hurdle and Self Sense will be the one to beat again but Kothu Rotti, Mujadale and Mystic Prince must be rated chances.
“I’ve been very happy how Two Hats has been going since his Galleywood win.
“I would love a bit of rain because he revels in that type of going.”
King Of Dudes won a hurdle trial at Cranbourne on Tuesday and Purcell was happy with his performance.
“The top-rated hurdlers would not want to do anything wrong as King Of Dudes will be there to pounce,” he said.
Seventeen horses have been nominated for the Lafferty Hurdle while 18 are entered in the $100,000 Thackeray Steeplechase including I’ll’ava’alf, King Kamada and Zatagilo.
