Ex-Godolphin galloper set to score for Waugh at Newcastle

Former Godolphin galloper Squeezebox is poised to score a breakthrough win for Wyong trainer Kim Waugh when it lines up in Thursday’s Davali Thoroughbreds Class 1 Handicap at Newcastle.

Previously prepared by James Cummings, the four-year-old gelding by Epaulette and out of handy middle distance performed mare Zydeco won a maiden at Hawkesbury and contested the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes at Eagle Farm late last year.

Kim Waugh has two leading contenders at Newcastle on Tuesday.Credit: Getty Images

Since joining the Waugh stable, Squeezebox has had two starts and has finished third in each of them.

“He’s a handy horse for the stable to pick up,” said Waugh, whose husband Mark is among the new part owners.

“We gave him a couple of trials before he had his first run for us. He got home well to finish third at Wyong and then he backed that up with another third in a small field at Kembla Grange.

“Alysha Collett has ridden him in one of the trials and both his race starts since he came to us and she will stick with him at Newcastle.

“He’s drawn awkwardly out a bit wide so it will be up to Alysha to sort that out.”

Waugh has two other runners at Newcastle with Collett to ride Rhinestone Lad and Jay Ford partnering Community when they clash in the A-Plus Contracting & Poly Welding Provincial Benchmark 64 Handicap (1850m).

“Rhinestone Lad is a son of Savabeel and he did a good job to score at Tamworth two starts back when he hit the line really well from back in the field,” Waugh said.

“He steps up in trip now which looks like will suit him.

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“Community has been below his best in two runs back from a spell, but he’s had a trial since his Tuncurry run and we’re looking for him to improve.”

Meanwhile, the Bjorn Baker-trained Hayek will attract attention when it contests the Good Luck Sam Clenton @ Equimillion Maiden Handicap (900m) with Regan Bayliss aboard.

Hayek showed plenty of speed when fourth in two race starts earlier in the year and has won two trials leading into his return.

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