Ko Phangan claims Byerley Handicap at Flemington
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable continues its impressive run in qualifying races for Classic contenders with Ko Phangan's recent victory at Flemington.
Ko Phangan's win in the Byerley Handicap (1800m) secures a coveted ballot exemption for either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington.
This success marks the third time in four years the stable has triumphed in this particular Saturday race, following on from Arcora's win in the previous year.
Although Arcora went on to secure second place behind Observer in last year's Derby, Young suggested that the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October is the more likely spring objective for Ko Phangan.
Carrying the $2.05 favourite tag under jockey Craig Williams, Ko Phangan delivered a commanding 2½-length win over Notified ($3), with Achy Breaky Heart ($8) finishing a further three-quarters of a length back in third.
"He jumped really clean and I was thinking 'please don't lead, please don't lead'," Young stated.
"At his last couple of starts I was wanting him to take a sit and really chase, and today he was able to take a sit, and he was too good for them.
"It is a nice form race this and they usually carry on. Arcora last year went on to win a Derby Prelude and run second in the Derby.
"We know this horse gets the distance, so maybe the Caulfield Guineas in the spring, but he'll probably have a couple of weeks let-up now and then pick a path to the Guineas."
Young recounted spotting the colt at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, being drawn to his potential as a Caulfield Guineas type for his three-year-old season.
"We looked after him and didn't send him up to Magics after running second in the lead-up behind Unit Five that won the Magic Millions and I'm hoping that pays off this spring," Young said.
"He's an Ole Kirk colt, a lovely looking rooster and hopefully he can go on with it.
"He's got the Green Desert and Poet's Voice blood and may get 2000 (metres) in time but he has a good turn of foot as he has shown in his last two starts, but he's just got to the front too soon and he's floated.
"He can keep his family jewels intact and we can hopefully have a good spring this year."
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