Anaheim has an important upcoming engagement, but where that will be is still undecided
South Australian Derby hopeful Anaheim has an important upcoming engagement, but where that will be is still undecided.
Anaheim is a dual acceptor on Saturday in the Sky High Mt Dandenong Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield and the Group Three Chairman’s Stakes (2030m) at Morphettville.
Co-trainer Trent Busuttin is holding off, preferring the Caulfield option, but Melbourne’s weather will have the final say.
“I’m holding off until the last possible minute because I want to stay at Caulfield but the weather is pushing me to Adelaide,” Busuttin said.
“Caulfield is half-an-hour down the road as opposed to a 20-hour return float trip to Adelaide.
“We’ve got a race on our doorstep but I want a dry track.
“Caulfield drains unbelievably and if it stops raining it could dry out a bit.”
On Thursday Caulfield was rated in the heavy range after 64mm of rain in the previous seven days while Morphettville is in the soft category.
The South Australian Derby on May 13 came on Anaheim’s radar after he finished ninth in the Australian Derby on April 1 and Busuttin hasn’t ruled out June’s Queensland Derby despite it being an extended campaign.
“He’s only three once and this will only be his fifth run this time in,” Busuttin said.
“The thinking about limited runs might be wrong.
“The New Zealand horses have been coming over in recent years off their New Zealand campaigns at their seventh, eighth or ninth runs and dominating.
“We’ll have a think about Queensland after the South Australian Derby.”
Busuttin is undecided whether Fomo runs in Saturday’s Ern Jensen Funerals Handicap at Caulfield while consistent performer Curragh lines up in the Treasury Wine Estates Handicap.
Curragh was a last-start second to Sadaqa on April 15 with the latter winning again at Flemington on Anzac Day.
“You go through his form since he’s been in Australia and you probably don’t find better form lines anywhere,” Busuttin said.
“Every horse that beats him or runs second to him keeps on winning.
“Fastnet Latina is obviously a very good horse and looks the one to beat but our horse is going there fit and in form and a genuine top three chance.”
