Trainer Robbie Laing has thrown Basanite into the deep end for his debut at Caulfield.
The colt lines up in the Listed Thoroughbred Club Cup (1200m) on Saturday with Laing excited but also acknowledging he faces stiff opposition at his first start.
“He’s a beautiful colt and has trialled well, but it looks like a hot field,” Laing said.
“John McArdle’s (Doubt I’m Dreaming) and Ken Keys’ (Al Passem) look pretty smart.
“He’ll probably get back midfield and if runs third or fourth I’d be pretty happy.”
Laing said the colt by Fastnet Rock was bred to get over ground with his second dam, Foxwood, a Group One winner over 1600m in New Zealand while his third dam, Delia’s Choice, was a sister to 1982 Melbourne Cup winner Gurner’s Lane.
Laing has been patient with Basanite.
“When you see him you’ll see why we didn’t push him,” Laing said.
“He’s not big, just 16 hands, but there’s plenty of him.
“We just had to make sure his shins were all OK.”
Basanite has had two Cranbourne trials to ready him for Saturday’s race, finishing second on each occasion during April.
Laing said he would meet with the owners of Explicitly to decide whether the colt runs against his stablemate or waits for the Listed Queen Adelaide Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville on May 6.
Explicitly has had two trials in preparation for his return, winning over 800m at Cranbourne on April 21.
“He’s very quick and loves the wet but the 1200 metres first-up may be a problem so we may hold him back for the following Saturday,” Laing said.
