Hellova Street faces his toughest test yet

REIGNING Tasmanian horse of the year Hellova Street faces his toughest test when he tackles the Group 1 $500,000 Toorak Handicap over 1600m at Caulfield today.

Hellova Street is coming off a game seventh in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield three weeks ago in which he finished just over two lengths from the winner Jungle Cat.

The Scott Bruntontrained gelding was third at his previous outing at Flemington over 1200m in which he led and was grabbed in the last few bounds by Camdus and Just Hifalutin.

This is Hellova Street’s second attempt at Group 1 level and while it is in a time-honoured classic handicap event, Brunton is confident the gelding is up to the task.

“The horse deserves his place in this race because he’s been very competitive against most of these horses in the past,” Brunton said.

“His work has been fantastic leading up to this race and he will be better for having had that run in the Sir Rupert Clarke.”

Hellova Street will carry only 52.5kg which will be the lowest weight the gelded son of Helike will have carried in his career and his rider Dean Holland will have no problem making the weight.

“Having such a low weight is a real advantage and the horse is definitely ready to step back up to 1600m,” Brunton said.

Hellova Street has had eight starts at the trip for three wins and four minor placings.

Last start, Hellova Street was unable to lead from a good inside gate (3) but today Brunton said he might be able to nullify a wide barrier (14) if he begins well and can find the lead or sit oneoff the speed.

“It’s not the best gate to draw but its also not the worst,” he said.

Brunton desperately wants Hellova Street to reach the $1 million in prizemoney barrier, with only $55,125 needed to reach the milestone.