Should Bustling prove victorious in the Subzero Handicap at Flemington this Thursday, it would signify the conclusion of a 915-day drought without a win.
For co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, getting the gelding back to his prime condition would feel as long as that period, even if it falls short of three full years.
Bustling’s last win occurred in the Group 3 WA Sires’ Produce Stakes over 1400 metres at Ascot in Perth in May 2024. Despite finishing second as the favourite in his most recent outing, a race specifically restricted to grey horses offers him an enhanced prospect for the now five-year-old.
“We faced significant soundness issues with him when we acquired him,” Kent Jnr stated, referring to the purchase made three months after the gelding’s previous victory.
“However, for the last eight months, he has been completely sound. I felt he made good progress during his previous preparation.”
Bustling’s return this preparation resulted in a tenth-place finish first-up at Cranbourne in the Apache Cat Classic (1200m), starting at odds of $2.35. The winner, Ndola, subsequently went on to win the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes (1200m) last Saturday at Flemington.
Ethan Brown was the jockey for that initial run this campaign.
“Based on two trial wins, we expected considerably more from him at Cranbourne,” Kent Jnr admitted.
“Ethan’s advice was to dismiss that run. He is a shrewd judge who doesn’t hesitate to be direct.
“When they applied the brakes mid-race, the situation became very complicated for him, and he suggested we try him on a spacious track like Flemington.”
A notable advantage is that Bustling will compete over the seven-furlong distance, which was the same trip as his last successful race.
“The grey horses’ race appears to be a logical target where we can drop him in class and hopefully rebuild his confidence. If he can translate his trial and track work form to race day, he should perform very well. His work on Saturday morning was outstanding, the best of the session; he looked fantastic. The only condition is that we hope for minimal rain in the lead-up.”
Consider placing a bet on the race using a reputable sports betting platform.
