Abbey on track for Preview

TIM Hughes’ expectation is that his two-year-old filly Crossing The Abbey is Blue Diamond material but he’s looking for confirmation at Caulfield this morning in the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m).

“Everything about her tells me she is, but it’s a step up in competition, and with more than half the field unraced you can’t be sure what you’re up against,” Hughes said.

Hughes, a horse breaker and pre-trainer, started training a handful of horses four years ago and Crossing The Abbey gave him his first city win in her second start at Flemington on New Year’s Day.

Last week Crossing The Abbey won an 800m trial at Pakenham by eight lengths.

“It was a good little jumpout. I just wanted to give her a clean out,” he said.

“When she won at Flemington she wasn’t quite at 100 per cent fitness so I’d like to think there’s improvement to come.”

Before her win at Flemington, Crossing The Abbey had one start for a fourth in the Maribyrnong Trial Stakes.

Hughes, 40, breaks in and pre-trains horses at his Pakenham property predominantly for trainers Andrew Noblet and Nigel Blackiston, as well as Mick Price and Darren Weir and bloodstock agent Sheamus Mills. He was surprised when breeder Colin Beggs offered him Crossing The Abbey.

“I’m planning on becoming a full time trainer as there’s a lot of wear and tear on the body riding 15 to 20 breakers a day. Crossing The Abbey can hopefully put me on the map,” Hughes said.

Craig Williams will ride Crossing The Abbey from barrier five.

Crossing The Abbey is a $7 chance with TAB fixed odds. Peter and Paul Snowden’s first starter Pure Elation has firmed from $3.90 to $3.20.