Fortunately for Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker, his former Kiwi colleagues Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young share a passion for horses.
The Victorian-based training duo of Busuttin and Young are currently housing the favourite for Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, Warwoven, at their Cranbourne stable.
However, the complication arises as Busuttin and Young also have the second favourite, Blind Raise, under their care as they aim for one of the most significant wins of their careers.
Busuttin, Young, and Baker maintain a reciprocal arrangement, assisting each other with stabling horses when travelling interstate. This practice stems from a long-standing friendship between Busuttin and Baker that originated in their youth in New Zealand.
Warwoven arrived at Cranbourne at 4am on Friday, and Busuttin admitted he was reluctant to inspect the horse, who is the last-start winner of the Golden Rose.
“He’s a beast of an animal and I didn’t want to go upsetting myself looking at him,” Busuttin said.
While Warwoven boasts impressive prior form, Busuttin expressed his complete satisfaction with his own contender.
“We think he’s spot on,” Busuttin said.
“His coat is good, his work is good, he’s got a good barrier.
“It was always the plan to go third-up into this, and everything has been smooth so far.
“We’ve got just over 24 hours now and I think he’ll be presenting at his best on Saturday.”
Blind Raise commenced his campaign with a win at Sandown when not fully tuned up, followed by a dominant victory in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 19.
It appeared Blind Raise might have been tested by a mid-race manoeuvre, but Busuttin suggested that the outside rail position could have contributed to the gelding’s commanding 2-¾ length victory.
Blake Shinn is set to ride Blind Raise again on Saturday, and Busuttin has immense confidence in the jockey’s abilities.
“It is a Guineas and all the speed maps and everything, they can go out the window when the gates open,” Busuttin said.
“Blake knows the horse, he’s got confidence in the horse.
“He naturally puts himself up on the speed and he’s drawn a good gate and the one to beat (Warwoven) naturally puts himself on speed.
“They’re not going to be too far away from each other.
“It’s good for racing and it’s what people go to see.
“A good Victorian three-year-old and a good New South Wales colt, but the chances don’t stop there.”
The Caulfield Guineas is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with multiple contenders vying for the top prize.
For those keen to get involved, the Australian betting sites offer competitive markets for this feature race.