by Mike Curry

Australian star Weekend Hussler reaffirmed his status as the elite sprinter in that nation with a three-quarter-length victory in the $932,439 Newmarket Handicap (Aus-G1) on Saturday at Flemington.

The multiple Group 1-winning Hussonet gelding settled behind pacesetter Dance Hero and unleashed an explosive burst of speed when roused by jockey Brad Rawiller with about 600 meters remaining. He accelerated away from Dance Hero along with runner-up Magnus and held that foe at bay to prevail in 1:08.97 on turf rated as dead.

Ross McDonald trains Weekend Hussler for a partnership.

“He is a superstar, and he has now proved it,” McDonald told the Australia Herald Sun.

Magnus was 2 1/4 lengths clear of third-place finisher Grand Duels.

Weekend Hussler entered off a win in the Ultra Tune Oakleigh Plate (Aus-G1) on February 23. He also posted victories in the 2007 Age Caulfield Guineas (Aus-G1) and Coolmore Stud Stakes (Aus-G1).

Light Fantastic completed a meteoric rise from maiden winner to Grade 1 winner as the gray Danehill Dancer gelding won the Cadbury Australian Guineas (Aus-G1) by a neck.

Trained by Mick Price for owners Mr. and Mrs. Robert Scarborough, Light Fantastic won a maiden race at Kyneton on February 3. He subsequently flashed his potential with victories in the Essendon Nissan Stakes on February 16 at Moonee Valley and the Perri Cutten Cup (Aus-G2) on February 23 at Caulfield.

Light Fantastic surged to the lead under jockey Craig Newitt and held off bids from runner-up Marching and third-place finisher Playwright to prevail in 1:36.41 for 1,600 meters (7.95 furlongs) on turf rated as dead.

Sirmione powered to a dominant 3 3/4-length victory in the $932,439 Darley Australian Cup (Aus-G1).

Trained by Bart Cummings for a partnership, the Encosta de Lago gelding surged to the lead in early stretch and drew off. Sirmione, winner of the 2007 L’Oreal Paris Mackinnon Stakes (Aus-G1), completed 2,000 meters (9.94 furlongs) on turf in 2:00.82.

Favorite Princess Coup, the 2007 champion three-year-old filly in New Zealand, edged Casino Prince by a head for second.

Two-time Australian champion Miss Finland finished a nonthreatening fifth and was retired after the race.

Mike Curry is Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor