Tavago closing in on return for spring

Co-trainer Trent Busuttin wishes he had another week up his sleeve with Tavago who could make his return in a Group Two race at Moonee Valley.

Busuttin, who co-trains with partner Natalie Young, says Tavago will be entered for Saturday’s Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes but is only a 50-50 chance to run in the 1600m race.

Ideally he would like the race a week later and for that reason the five-year-old may resume in the Group One Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

Tavago has been entered for a 1190m-trial at Cranbourne on Monday and Busuttin says he and Young are undecided whether the gelding will take his place.

Busuttin said Tavago galloped at Cranbourne on Saturday in a work-out that pleased both trainers.

“I’d probably prefer to go to the Valley first-up on the StrathAyr track with him but it’s just a week too soon for where we are with him,” Busuttin said.

“He only does what he has to on the track so it’s hard to get a line on him.

“But his coat is starting to come through and his gallop was enormous and Natalie was rapt with him also.

“We’ll throw a nomination in and make a decision.”

The winner of the 2016 Australian Derby, Tavago hasn’t raced since running last behind Jameka in The BMW at Rosehill in March.

Two weeks earlier he had found winning form taking out the Group Three Sky High Stakes at Rosehill.

Tavago pulled up lame from the BMW with and there were fears his racing days were over.

But Busuttin said the gelding recovered quickly and after a spell has been progressing strongly ahead of his racetrack return.

Tavago has been entered for both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.