Best Bloodstock principal Jarred Magnabosco has been buoyed by the early support for Newlook ahead of the French import’s first Australian outing at Caulfield on Saturday.

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained gelding has firmed from $16 into $7 equal second favourite for the $150,000 Stow Storage Solutions BM100 Handicap (1600m). It will be Newlook’s first start in Australia and his first race at a distance shorter than 2000m.

“He’s tackling a mile first-up, which is short of his optimum, and we’ll ride him quietly to finish off strongly,” Magnabosco said. “This run is just a lead-in to the spring, so if he’s hitting the line late, we’ll be happy.”

Magnabosco and Busuttin Racing purchased Newlook for €480,000 (AU$855,000) at last year’s Arqana Autumn Sale in France, making him the highest-priced lot at the auction. The son of New Bay attracted interest from several major buyers, including Michael Kent Jnr and Gai Waterhouse’s agent Johnny McKeever.

“He was highly sought after, and thankfully we were the final bidder,” Magnabosco said. “We wanted a lightly raced horse with Cups potential, and his profile ticked all the boxes.”

Newlook is a half-brother to Group 1 performer La Parisienne and enters this preparation after a winning hat-trick in France, including the Listed Prix Vulcain (2500m) just prior to the sale.

Since arriving in Australia in December, Newlook has had two trials, including a strong 1400m win at Wangaratta on July 7. Magnabosco is eyeing a spring campaign targeting key ballot-exempt races for the Melbourne Cup.

“We’ll use Saturday as a launchpad for bigger targets,” Magnabosco said. “The plan is to chase ballot-free races like the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup to secure his spot.”

Jamie Melham has been booked to ride from barrier 10. Updated odds for Newlook’s debut are available through Australia’s top betting sites.