Hussler destroys rivals

Star galloper Weekend Hussler looks set for a dominant spring campaign after demolishing his rivals in the Group Two Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

It was billed as a match-race between Weekend Hussler and the unbeaten Light Fantastic, but it was all one way traffic for the Ross McDonald-trained galloper who cruised to a two-and-a-half lengths victory.

With Indo Glorioso setting a steady tempo out in front and Weekend Hussler sitting on his outside, Craig Newitt aboard Light Fantastic decided to track the favourite the whole way.

But upon straightening, underrated jockey Brad Rawiller let Weekend Hussler down and the four-year-old opened up a break on his rivals and cruised home.

"It was never in doubt from the moment we jumped," Rawiller told TVN after the race.

"We knew he is still on the up and he still has a lot to go, but he proved today what is in store later on."

Zarita boxed on well to finish second, Littorio flashed home late to snatch third, while Light Fantastic finished a disappointing fourth.

Reigning Melbourne Cup winner Efficient and last years Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilly worked home well late in the race and their respective trainers would have been thrilled with their first-up efforts.

But the race belonged to Weekend Hussler and a bold McDonald was understandably thrilled with the performance of his horse.

"We think it was one of his best wins, but they are all good," McDonald said.

Weekend Hussler is now likely to head to the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield in a fortnight, before embarking on a possible Cups campaign or Cox Plate start.