The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable have Cups ambitions for their stayer Muktamil but realise they are a long way from reaching those goals.
An important contest at Moonee Valley on Saturday – the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) – could take them a step closer to those targets.
Young said Muktamil needs to get his rating up to get into Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington on September 13, a race that provides the winner a ‘win and you’re in’ ticket into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 4.
Muktamil has a rating of 84 entering Saturday’s race and Young said it was crucial Muktamil produces another good performance on Saturday.
“Because of his rating, he really needs to be winning on Saturday,” Young said.
“But he just cannot draw a gate, seven out of seven, but I suppose if it was seven out of 14, it wouldn’t be too bad if you think of it like that.
“He’s worked up excellent since his last run. He’s got 53-½ kilos this time and Luke Currie is a nice, patient rider and should suit him.
“It’s important that he tries to get the job done and then he can go to The Archer, and hopefully we’re away after that and we can realise our plans with him.”
Muktamil has been a consistent performer through the winter months.
His campaign started at Sandown in March before winning over 2000m at his next start.
Muktamil’s subsequent seven starts have been at 2000m or further, including his last five at 2400m and above.
“He gets fit on the smell of an oily rag. He works, he races, and he’s running so well,” Young said.
“His last eight races have been over 2000 metres and further and he’s not dropping anything.
“He still looks fantastic. I think on Saturday it’s the best he’s looked as he’s starting to dapple up over the hindquarter.
“We always give him a quiet week after a run. He just ticks over and doesn’t need much galloping between runs, and he thrives on it.
“He just needs a little bit of luck to come his way and hopefully with that lightweight he is going to be getting the job done.
