Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have a small representation heading to Pakenham but are looking forward to learning more about the horses they have competing there.
The pair has three imports running, all lining up for their second Australian starts, with the expectation they will run forward races.
Spanish Kiss and Brayden Star run in the John Duff & Co Handicap (2000m) with Chicago Bear to run in the Sportsbet Future Stars Jan 12 Handicap (1600m).
All three are running in benchmark 78 company, but Busuttin said the stable has an expectation they will reach a higher grade.
Brayden Star won at his Australian debut at Cranbourne on November 12 and Busuttin said the entire will relish the rise in trip and bigger track at Pakenham.
“His coat is still a bit wintry, which is just acclimatisation,” Busuttin said.
“He can gallop, no question. He’s a 2000-metre, mile-and-a-half plus horse, so he will appreciate the 2000 metres more than what he did the 1600 metres.
“Everything points to him running well.”
Like Brayden Star, Busuttin thinks Spanish Kiss will run well after being stuck in inferior ground at Ballarat when sixth over 1600m.
Busuttin said Spanish Kiss arrived with stablemates Uncle Bryn and He’s Our Bonneval, and while those two horses have competed successfully in Australia, Spanish Kiss took time to acclimatise.
“He had a couple of preps, but he wasn’t ready,” Busuttin said.
“I like the horse and he can gallop and can win some races for sure.
“He was above himself first-up, very fresh before the race, shivering and shaking, he raced a bit keen and again, everything points to him being better off second-up over 2000 metres.”
Chicago Bear made his debut at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, finishing fourth behind French Emperor.
“He arguably should have finished closer and if he runs up to that performance, he should go very close to winning that race,” Busuttin said.
With excellent prize money on offer, Busuttin said getting stake money into the bank was what is important for the trio.
“They’re all geldings, there’s no rush to get them to the big races as they can race through their grades for now,” Busuttin said.
“Hopefully they end up in some good race, but it would be nice to pick up some stake money first.”
