2025 Melbourne Cup ambitions for talented stayer Muktamil

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Muktamil will chase another important milestone at Moonee Valley on Saturday, as the stable builds towards lofty Cups ambitions.

The stayer runs in the Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m), a race that could pave his way into the Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington on September 13, which offers a ballot-exempt entry into the Melbourne Cup (3200m).

With a current rating of 84, Young knows the gelding must keep winning to lift his profile. “Because of his rating, he really needs to be winning on Saturday,” she 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.”

Confidence remains strong after his last start. “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,” Young said. “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 proven a reliable performer across the winter, campaigning consistently at distances of 2000m and beyond. “He gets fit on the smell of an oily rag. He works, he races, and he’s running so well. His last eight races have been over 2000 metres and further and he’s not dropping anything,” Young said.

The stable believes the gelding is peaking physically at the right time. “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,” Young explained. “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.”

For racing fans and punters, Muktamil’s progress toward The Archer and potential Melbourne Cup tilt can be followed closely, with odds offered through leading betting platforms.