Blind Raise claims McKenzie Stakes first-up

Co-trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young were anxious about the track conditions on Saturday morning.

A further downpour could have jeopardised Blind Raise's start in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1300m), with a potential diversion to the Listed Michael Moroney (1400m) at Flemington the following Saturday.

Despite Sandown receiving 7.2mm of rain overnight, the surface was assessed as a Soft 7, giving the trainers the green light to run.

Sent off as the $3 favourite under jockey Blake Shinn, Blind Raise delivered a convincing 1-¾ length victory over Wolf Gap ($5), with Shooting Brake ($16) finishing a further three-quarters-of-a-length adrift in third.

"We don't live far from here and it was pouring down and then at Cranbourne, at the track (this morning), it never misses it," Busuttin remarked.

"It was touch and go and I sent out a late voice message (to the ownership group) saying we would probably scratch."

While the gelding handled the softened ground well, Busuttin admitted to being concerned by the horse's pre-race demeanour, noting he had sweated up significantly.

"That's not him, he's been bombproof all the way through," Busuttin explained.

"It was genuinely a concern and even in the running, in the first furlong, he was trucking a bit, but he had had only the one trial since Brisbane, so that will bring him on.

"It was pretty comfortable (in the end) and the second horse was pretty good.

"The watch was pretty good so we're pretty happy."

Attention now turns to the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10, with Busuttin suggesting a plan would be formulated.

The Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 19 or the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield eight days later are considered the most likely lead-up races.

"It's either the Prelude or the Stutt Stakes and just with him being a bit fresh and keen, I think a two-week turnaround to the Prelude will do him the world of good," Busuttin advised.

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