Craig Ferguson warmed up for his group 1 tilt at Addington tonight by turning heads at Wyndham yesterday.
The trainer-driver produced Rustenburg for a brilliant maiden win in the stunning time of 2min 54.4sec for 2400m.
The 3yr-old was beaten by a classy type in Dreams Are Free on debut at Winton.
But Ferguson had a plan to avenge that defeat yesterday.
"We’re pretty pleased with that. He sat back last start and he got out-sprinted, so we didn’t want to take that chance today.
"They ran along and he stuck to the task. It was really good."
Rustenburg races in the colours of former New Zealand soccer coach Ricki Herbert.
The horse is not the first winner for Ferguson and Herbert, who have struck up a good combination as owner and trainer.
"It’s a whole crew of them from up north there, and Ricky’s involved in that.
"He’s mad keen on the horses and he’s always messaging to see how they’re going, and he’ll be thrilled with that run."
Ferguson also produced Huki Fella to win on his home track yesterday.
The pacer is pint-sized by standardbred standards, much like his sire Lord Forbes.
But he does not lack determination — when his mind is on the job, that is.
"He’s got small man syndrome, I think; he thinks he’s big, he gets out there and he doesn’t always try that hard, he’s a bit green, but at the finish line he tries, which is when you want it."
Ferguson’s attention now turns to Addington tonight, where Wag Star will start in the group 1 Flying Stakes.
The pacer was an emphatic winner of a warm-up event at Addington last week, and Ferguson has been happy with his progress since.
"He’s come through the run really good.
"We would have liked a bit of a better draw and it’s a really, really hot field, so he’s going to need a few favours.
"But as far as the horse [goes], I’m happy with him going into it."
Mark Hurrell takes the reins behind Wag Star tonight.
