If Bustling manages to clinch the Subzero Handicap at Flemington on Thursday, it will mark the end of a 915-day stretch without a victory.
While not quite three years, securing a return to his peak form would feel like an eternity for co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
Bustling’s most recent triumph was in the Group 3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Ascot in Perth back in May 2024. Despite being favoured and finishing second last start, a race specifically for grey horses offers him an added advantage now that the gelding is five years old.
“We encountered numerous soundness issues with him at the time of purchase,” Kent Jnr reminisced about the acquisition made just three months after the gelding’s last win.
“However, for the past eight months, he has been completely sound. I felt he made significant progress during his last preparation.”
Bustling commenced his current campaign with a tenth-place finish first-up at Cranbourne in the Apache Cat Classic (1200m), starting at $2.35. The winner, Ndola, subsequently claimed the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes (1200m) last Saturday at Flemington.
Ethan Brown was aboard for that initial run this preparation.
“Following two trial victories, we had anticipated a much stronger performance from him at Cranbourne,” Kent Jnr stated.
“Ethan advised us to disregard that run entirely. He’s a highly competent judge who doesn’t sugarcoat his opinions.
“When they dramatically slowed the pace mid-race, it created a very difficult situation for him, and he suggested trying him on a larger track like Flemington.”
A positive aspect is that Bustling will compete over the seven-furlong distance, the same trip as his last successful outing.
“The race for greys appears to be an obvious target where we can lower his class expectations and hopefully help him regain his confidence. If he can replicate his trial and track work form on race day, he should perform very well. His work on Saturday morning was the best of the session; he looked superb. The only concern is if we experience excessive rain leading up to the event.”
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