Written by Paul Vettise
The Holy One (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) has won all three of his races off the front, but the lightly-tried colt isn’t one dimensional and trainer Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young will be quite happy to see him sit off the pace in his toughest test on Saturday.
He goes into the G1 Ladbrokes Caulfield Guineas off a hollow victory in the G2 Stutt S. at The Valley and he hasn’t missed a beat since.
“I’d say there might be a couple that lead us in the race. With Linda Meech’s horse (Roccabascarena) from barrier one and Alligator Blood there’s a fair bit of speed in the race,” Trent Busuttin said. “We’ll just play it by ear, but The Holy One will be somewhere up on the speed.
“The colts that he’s meeting this time are better, but he hasn’t done much wrong. I’m sure he’ll run well and I would be disappointed if he doesn’t weigh in.”
“I’m sure he’ll run well and I would be disappointed if he doesn’t weigh in.” – Trent Busuttin
Busuttin said The Holy One would be a far stronger proposition next year, but has earned his shot at a Group 1 prize in the Caulfield Guineas.
“He’s certainly going to be a better colt in the autumn, as most of them are. He’ll get up over a trip, 2000 to 2400 metres in the Rosehill Guineas and the Derby, but he deserves a crack at the Guineas.”
The stable also has a quality hand to play in the Schweppes Thousand Guineas with the in-form duo of Acting (NZ) (Savabeel) and I Am Eloquent (I Am Invincible).
I Am Eloquent
The former has won her last three, including the G3 Prelude, and I Am Eloquent her last two and claimed the Listed Jim Moloney S, at her most recent appearance.
Busuttin said I Am Eloquent had closed the gap on her stablemate in more recent times, but still gave the nod to Acting.
“Six weeks ago I would have said Acting, which I still probably slightly lean toward, but the other filly has certainly improved.
“Six weeks ago I would have said Acting, which I still probably slightly lean toward, but the other filly has certainly improved.” – Trent Busuttin
“I think they are both over the odds. I think they are probably getting carried away with this favourite (Flit).
“It’s got very good form, but at the end of the day it’s a one win horse. It was unlucky the other day and they often look good when they’re held up, but they’ve still got to get out and let down.
“Acting was extremely strong through the line over 1400 metres after running good, solid sectionals so I can’t see any reason why she can’t do the same again.
Acting (NZ)
“I Am Eloquent won a couple of races in the lower classes and then stepped up to Listed grade and won. She got the right run and beast them fair and square, she’s drawn to get the right run again.”
Stablemate Sully (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) will have a gear addition to help his chances in the G2 Ladbrokes Herbert Power S.
He was unplaced in the first two runs of his preparation before finishing runner-up behind Captain Cook (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 JRA Cup at The Valley.
“He’ll probably strip fit for the first time, fourth up. He just won’t put them away and should have won that race the other night.
“He just won’t put them away and should have won that race the other night.” – Trent Busuttin
“He had that other horse covered and just wouldn’t get passed it. We’ll put a set of shades on and hope that makes the difference.”
The stable has also been pleased with the condition of its import Mirage Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who goes straight into the G1 Caulfield Cup.
He has won four of his 16 starts, including the G3 Glorious S. over 2400 metres, and one of his many black type placings was a runner-up finish in the G2 Princess Of Wales’s S. behind last year’s Caulfield Cup winner Best Solution (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}).
“Touch wood, so far so good. At this stage he’s looking very forward, he’s a very good horse and has the right credentials,” Busuttin said. “The main barrier is getting over here in one piece.”
