How Shaiyhar bounces back from a Cranbourne gallop will decide whether the imported gelding lines up at Ballarat.

A stone bruise sidelined him briefly last week, but the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young team remain optimistic he’ll be fit for the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday.

Shaiyhar is among 29 entries for the feature, with final acceptances due Wednesday.

The Irish-bred gelding impressed early after arriving from France in 2023, though he’s yet to reach the level his stable anticipated.

He defeated Deakin over 2000m at Flemington earlier this year and has collected four placings in eight runs since.

Most recently, he finished third behind Kingswood and Saint George in the Listed Cup Day Plate (1800m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

“He was good when he ran third in the Listed race at Flemington,” Young said.

“But he had a little bit of a stone bruise last week that was causing a bit of a concern.”

“He galloped up good on Saturday and pulled-up nice and sound. We gave him a little more work on Tuesday, and we’ll see how he is before making a final decision.”

“He loves 2000 metres … and hopefully Ballarat is not a wash out like it has been in previous years.”

“He doesn’t like it too wet and hopefully the weather gods are in his favour.”

The Ballarat track was rated a Heavy 8 on Monday, though fine conditions are expected midweek before possible showers on Saturday.