Jarred Magnabosco is pleasantly surprised by the market support for Newlook, who has firmed from $16 into $7 ahead of his Australian debut at Caulfield on Saturday.
The French import steps out in the $150,000 Stow Storage Solutions BM100 Handicap (1600m)—his first run below 2000m.
Magnabosco, head of Best Bloodstock, admits the trip is short of the gelding’s ideal, but views it as a spring tune-up.
“We’ll look to get back in the field and hit the line strongly,” he said.
“This is more of a tie-over race… that’ll be a pass mark for us.”
Newlook was purchased for €480,000 (around AU$855,000) in partnership with Busuttin Racing at last year’s Arqana Autumn Sale.
“He was well sought-after… I’m just glad I got on top and got that final bid,” Magnabosco said.
By New Bay, Newlook is out of Skysweeper and is a half-brother to G1 performer La Parisienne.
After winning three straight in France—most recently the Listed Prix Vulcain—he’s trialled twice since arriving in December.
Saturday’s race is the first step towards a Melbourne Cup bid, with plans to target a ballot-exempt race such as the Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley Gold Cup, The Bart Cummings or The Archer on Makybe Diva Stakes Day.
Jamie Mott takes the ride from barrier 10.