Although Saturday’s Tour d’Horse Sprint over Caulfield doesn’t align with Bustling’s original buying intent, trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have moved past being finicky with the one-time West Australian star.

The four-year-old embarks on his first run in nearly 20 months in the 1000-metre $130,000 benchmark 84.

Acquired for a hefty price, his only prior appearance for Price and Kent was a ninth-place finish, eighth of nine, in the Group 2 Run To The Rose back in September 2024, plagued by various ailments since.

This race pales against the lofty goal of The Everest for which the son of Frosted was intended, yet Price is content just to witness his return.

“He had some bone problems and just assorted different niggles,” Price said.

“We keep getting him up, then we keep giving him time, we keep getting him up then we keep giving him time.

“But everyone’s done a good job with him and he’s now as right as we can have him.”

Bustling entered the Run To The Rose unbeaten in four of five previous races, triumphs including Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m), Group 3 WA Sires Produce Stakes (1400m), Listed Perth Stakes (1100m), and a second.

Recent form shows a third in Cranbourne’s 800m jumpout on April 6 and a strong 850m trial success at Caulfield Heath April 23.

Mark Zahra, aboard for those hit-outs, sticks with the ride Saturday as Bustling leads betting at $4.40.

Not enamoured by Victoria’s rainfall this week, Price believes a better-than-Soft 6 track on Thursday would boost Bustling’s outlook.

“He’s a happy horse, he’s big, strong and he’s grown a lot since his two-year-old days,” Price said.

“He is one horse who hates the wet, but he is ready to run well.”

Head to betting sites for racing odds on Bustling in the Tour d’Horse Sprint.