The training partnership of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young has continued its strong performance in a key qualifying race for Classic contenders, courtesy of Ko Phangan’s victory at Flemington.
Securing the Byerley Handicap (1800m) grants the colt a ballot exemption into either the Victoria Derby (2500m) or the VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
This triumph marks the stable’s third win in the past four years in Saturday’s race, following Arcora’s success last year.
While Arcora went on to finish second to Observer in the Derby last year, Young indicated that the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in October is the more probable spring target for Ko Phangan.
Sent off as the $2.05 favourite with Craig Williams in the saddle, Ko Phangan achieved a decisive 2½-length victory over Notified ($3), with Achy Breaky Heart ($8) completing the placings a further three-quarters of a length behind.
“He jumped really clean and I was thinking ‘please don’t lead, please don’t lead’,” Young remarked.
“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 recalled spotting Ko Phangan at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale and being impressed by the colt, envisioning him as a Caulfield Guineas prospect 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 stated.
“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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