One of WA's toughest horses Filthy Habits looks to continue supreme form in Ascot's Rogan Josh Stakes
Arguably one of WA's toughest gallopers Filthy Habits will line up a hot $1.75 TABtouch favourite for Saturday's $100,000 Rogan Josh Stakes (2100m) at Ascot after his last-start Albany Cup demolition.
In his favourite role of pace-maker at Albany, Filthy Habits romped home to score by almost five lengths and took his earnings to near $500,000.
Trainer Brandon Fiore, husband of rider Lucy Fiore, said the pair were delighted by the ease with which the five-year-old won.
'It was a really easy watch. Typically, he doesn't make it too easy, so it was nice when he was coming down the home straight,' he told TABradio.
'It was awesome to see him put away the field like that. (Lucy) was a bit shocked. He was just hands and heels and responded really well.
'She said he felt so fresh and plenty fit enough. He's recovered really well and his weight's good. His last bit of work, his heart rate and his recovery were pretty much identical to last start.'
Renowned for his appetite for a rigorous racing schedule, Fiore said they had eased the bay's workload which had seen him go to another level.
'He's still on the fresher side and we're probably learning a bit more about him now,' he said.
'We're trying not to overwork him and let him do his thing and leave a bit more speed in him instead of trying to make him stay.'
Filthy Habits will meet second favourite and fellow front-runner Iowa ($3.20) with a two kilo weight advantage, carrying 54.5kg to Iowa's 56.5kg.
'I think he'll be pretty hard to beat. Iowa, his runs have been really good, so he's always a good chance,' Fiore said.
'We have met before and (Iowa) has beaten him, although I think Filthy Habits is going better now. They'll be both out in front for a long way.
'After tomorrow, he'll go out for a spell. He might come back for a trial, then go out for a spell again while (Lucy and I) are in Mongolia. Then we'll aim him for the Perth Cup and the lead-up races for that.'
In August, Brandon and Lucy Fiore will tackle the Mongol Derby, a 1000km race through the countryside on semi-wild horses who are changed over every 35km.
+ Statuario leads the market for the $1 million South Australian Derby (2500m) after a comprehensive two-and-a-quarter length win at Caulfield a month ago.
The $3 grey gelding rates clearly on top in betting from American Wolf ($8), a VRC St Leger winner at Flemington last weekend.
Lavalier ($8) was a half length behind Athanatos in the Chairmans at Morphettville last start, while Cranbourne winner Global Eclipse ($9.50) and last year's Victoria Derby winner Goldrush Guru ($11) are next in line.
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