Racing: Hasselhoof well placed to regain top form

Hasselhoof. Photograph by Steven McNicholl.

Geez, for a horse that has won six of his 10 starts, Hasselhoof has his share of knockers.

The 11th last start in the Makfi didn't excite those knockers, especially those who did not see the race either live or electronically.

It was actually a superb performance, particularly with 1400m being short of his best distance. Matt Cameron elected to try and follow stablemate Valley Girl, but what could not have been anticipated was that mare suffered a career-ending breakdown during the race and hung badly throughout, getting in the way of her mate.

Additionally, Hasselhoof wobbled around the top bend through having his first attempt at racing left-handed.

"It was only late that he got going," says Cameron, "and after the finish he really took off."

For the record, Hasselhoof, was just 4.9 lengths off winner Kawi, making up many lengths.

The Logan/Gibbs stable elected to take the easy Counties option tomorrow, rather than another long Ruakaka-to-Hastings trek in advance of the race that will really suit him, the $250,000 Livamol Classic at the Bay on October 1.

But wait, there's more, Hasselhoof needs this $50,000 Haunui Farm Karaka Classic run to have him fit enough for the Livamol, but heavy rain forecast for today, could well take the Counties track beyond a point he can cope with, which will provide more fuel for his detractors should he finish mid-field.

The rain is a great shame because the previously much-troubled Counties surface raced magnificently at the August 31 raceday when it was expected to cut out significantly.

If Hasselhoof has trouble with a wet track, super consistent Platinum Command should get his reward, though Meeska Mooska impressively beat a good one in Underthemoonlight at Hastings last start and could prove up to the higher grade.