WS speedster on black type path

Rejuvenated sprinter Bullrush has fast-tracked his way into New Zealand stakes company. The WS-bred and owned sprinter was unbeaten in his first five appearances from the Sydney yard of John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes before his form tapered off and he returned home to join Moira and Kieran Murdoch’s stable.

The O’Reilly six-year-old has responded positively to a change of environment, as evidenced by his front-running victory at Hastings earlier this month in his first appearance from his new quarters. “He’s come through that race very well and I don’t want to step him up to 1400m at the moment so he’s going to run in the Legacy Lodge Sprint,” said Moira Murdoch, referring to the Listed 1200m sprint at Te Rapa on November 11. “He’s a lovely horse and a pretty capable one too, he’s got plenty of pace. It’s just a matter of keeping him in the right shape and frame of mind now.

Murdoch is hoping Bullrush’s form will warrant due consideration for Group One starts later in the season in the Sistema Stakes (1200m) and the J.R & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m). The gelding is a half-brother to the stud’s Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) winner Sports Illustrated.