Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker is fortunate that fellow former Kiwis Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are animal lovers.
Victorian-based Busuttin and Young are currently hosting Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas favourite, Warwoven, at their Cranbourne stable.
The challenge for Busuttin and Young is that they also have the second favourite, Blind Raise, in their care as they aim for one of their most significant career victories.
Busuttin and Young, along with Baker, have a long-standing arrangement to house each other’s horses when they travel interstate, a practice rooted in a friendship that began in New Zealand during their younger years.
Warwoven arrived at Cranbourne at 4am on Friday, and Busuttin mentioned he was hesitant to inspect the horse, who is the last-start winner of the Golden Rose.
“He’s a beast of an animal and I didn’t want to go upsetting myself looking at him,” Busuttin said.
While Warwoven possesses proven form, Busuttin could not be more pleased with his own charge’s condition.
“We think he’s spot on,” Busuttin said.
“His coat is good, his work is good, he’s got a good barrier.
“It was always the plan to go third-up into this, and everything has been smooth so far.
“We’ve got just over 24 hours now and I think he’ll be presenting at his best on Saturday.”
Blind Raise began his campaign with a first-up win at Sandown while slightly underdone, before securing a decisive victory in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 19.
It seemed Blind Raise was challenged by a mid-race move, but Busuttin noted that the rail being out might have been a factor in the gelding’s impressive 2-¾ length win.
Blake Shinn will again partner Blind Raise on Saturday, and Busuttin holds the jockey in high regard.
“It is a Guineas and all the speed maps and everything, they can go out the window when the gates open,” Busuttin said.
“Blake knows the horse, he’s got confidence in the horse.
“He naturally puts himself up on the speed and he’s drawn a good gate and the one to beat (Warwoven) naturally puts himself on speed.
“They’re not going to be too far away from each other.
“It’s good for racing and it’s what people go to see.
“A good Victorian three-year-old and a good New South Wales colt, but the chances don’t stop there.”
The Caulfield Guineas is set to be a compelling race with several strong contenders.
Explore the betting markets for the race to see the odds for Saturday’s feature event.