Busuttin and Young chase Magic Millions dream at Ballarat
When a Group 1 race is on the line, trainers are invariably on-course to cheer their charge on.
Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have Forgot You contesting the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot in Perth on Saturday, but Young will be at Ballarat instead.
Busuttin has travelled to Perth while Young looks after the team at Ballarat which includes Vianarra in the Magic Millions Ballarat 2YO Classic (1000m).
Vianarra is owned by a ‘Lady’s Syndicate’ and a win, or second-place finish on Saturday will be enough to earn the colt a trip to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) on the Gold Coast next month.
Young expects a number of the ladies to be present at Ballarat on Saturday, hence her decision to stay home and head to the races.
“We’ve drawn 10, but I thought his last run at Ballarat was super,” Young said.
“His last 50 metres, he really hit the line strong.
“He’s a horse that is probably looking for that little bit further, but it’s a nice race to try and get him into the Magic Millions for the lady owners and chase that bonus.
“A win, or running second, gets him in and the pressure is off, then he can have a run that way around.
“There’s a couple of races towards the end of the month and there’s also a race the week before at the Gold Coast, but we’ll get through Saturday first.”
Busuttin and Young have won the past two editions of the Ballarat Magic Millions contest.
Cusack won in 2021 when the race was run right-handed while Sunsource scored last year in horrendous conditions when the race was run the traditional way.
Cusack, who was owned by a ‘Lady’s Syndicate’ collected almost $150,000 in bonuses for his owners despite finishing down the track in the 2022 Magic Millions 2YO Classic and then earlier this year in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.
“We’re hoping for a third straight win on Saturday,” Young said.
“Everyone is pretty excited. They’re a good bunch of ladies and we’ve ended up picking up a piece of the lady’s bonus in the last couple of years.
“It’s a great incentive and it helps pay their way.
“Hopefully we can get him up there and give some new ladies a fun week at Magic Millions.”
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...