Luckily for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker, fellow former Kiwis Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are animal lovers.
Victorian-based Busuttin and Young are hosting Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas favourite Warwoven at their Cranbourne stable.
The only problem is, Busuttin and Young have the second favourite Blind Raise in their care as they chase one of their biggest victories.
Busuttin and Young along with Baker reciprocate housing each other’s horses when they travel interstate which has been built over many years emanating from a friendship between Busuttin and Baker that started in New Zealand in their younger years.
Warwoven arrived at Cranbourne at 4am on Friday and Busuttin said he didn’t really want to go and look at the last start Golden Rose winner.
“He’s a beast of an animal and I didn’t want to go upsetting myself looking at him,” Busuttin said.
While Warwoven has the form on the board, Busuttin could not be happier with his charge.
“We think he’s spot on,” Busuttin said.
“His coat is good, his work is good, he’s got a good barrier.
“It was always the plan to go third-up into this, and everything has been smooth so far.
“We’ve got just over 24 hours now and I think he’ll be presenting at his best on Saturday.”
Blind Raise won first-up at Sandown, when a little underdone, before recording a commanding victory in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 19.
It looked like Blind Raise was softened up by a midrace move, but Busuttin said the rail being out was a possible factor in the gelding’s 2-¾ length win.
Blake Shinn again has the ride on Saturday and Busuttin has extreme faith in the rider.
“It is a Guineas and all the speed maps and everything, they can go out the window when the gates open,” Busuttin said.
“Blake knows the horse, he’s got confidence in the horse.
“He naturally puts himself up on the speed and he’s drawn a good gate and the one to beat (Warwoven) naturally puts himself on speed.
“They’re not going to be too far away from each other.
“It’s good for racing and it’s what people go to see.
“A good Victorian three-year-old and a good New South Wales colt, but the chances don’t stop there.”
