Uncle Bryn went one better than last year when he dominantly secured the Caulfield Cup ballot exemption that accompanies victory in the Cattanch’s Jewellers MRC Foundation Cup.
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained import lived up to the high rating the stable has had on him since landing in Australia when he streeted his rivals in the 2000-metre Group 3 contest.
The son of Sea The Stars had to settle for second placing in last year’s MRC Foundation Cup, beaten by subsequent Group 1 winner and Caulfield Cup 2023 favourite Smokin’ Romans, and Busuttin said it was great to see him back in form after two below par runs to start the campaign.
The Cranbourne stable has every intention of starting Uncle Bryn in the 2400m Caulfield Cup, which will be run on October 21, in which he has 51kg.
“The horse has been going alright, but his runs at the races had been just, with maybe some excuses,” Busuttin said.
“I’ve kept on saying he is a good horse, he got beaten in this race last year and he’s got a spot in the Caulfield Cup now.
“He’s got no weight, and he won that well, so it’s onwards and upwards. It’s good to see him back in form.”
Uncle Bryn was given a sweet ride just behind the speed by John Allen before putting the race away with a swift turn of foot once a gap appeared early in the straight.
A $7.50 chance last year, Uncle Bryn started $26 this year and held a 2-1/4-length margin over the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Floating Artist, who like Uncle Bryn carries the Seymour Bloodstock colours.
Alaskan God ($9.50) was third, half-a-length behind the well-backed $2.80 palmerbet favourite, with Berkeley Square ($4.20) boxing on gamely for fourth, just a neck away, after a wide run.
“Jeez, he was travelling around the corner and when he got the gap he let down good,” Allen said.
The MRC Foundation Cup win completed a Group 3 running double for Allen who 40 minutes earlier won the Caulfield Guineas Prelude on Steparty.
