Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have long-term Cups aspirations for their stayer Muktamil, though they acknowledge the path ahead remains a steep one.
Saturday’s Simpson Construction Handicap (2500m) at Moonee Valley will be a key stepping stone, with the stable eyeing a start in the Group 3 The Archer (2500m) at Flemington on September 13. Victory in The Archer secures automatic qualification into the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington in November.
Currently rated 84, Muktamil must continue to lift, and Young admits Saturday’s assignment is pivotal. “Because of his rating, he really needs to be winning on Saturday,” Young said. “But he just cannot draw a gate, seven out of seven, but I suppose if it was seven out of 14, it wouldn’t be too bad if you think of it like that.”
Despite the draw, the team is confident in his progress. “He’s worked up excellent since his last run. He’s got 53-½ kilos this time and Luke Currie is a nice, patient rider and should suit him,” Young added. “It’s important that he tries to get the job done and then he can go to The Archer, and hopefully we’re away after that and we can realise our plans with him.”
Muktamil has been a consistent operator through winter, racing exclusively at 2000m and beyond since March, including five straight runs over 2400m or further. Young said his conditioning is a strength. “He gets fit on the smell of an oily rag. He works, he races, and he’s running so well. His last eight races have been over 2000 metres and further and he’s not dropping anything.”
Young added that the gelding’s physical condition is peaking. “He still looks fantastic. I think on Saturday it’s the best he’s looked as he’s starting to dapple up over the hindquarter. We always give him a quiet week after a run. He just ticks over and doesn’t need much galloping between runs, and he thrives on it. He just needs a little bit of luck to come his way and hopefully with that lightweight he is going to be getting the job done.”
Punters can follow Muktamil’s path toward The Archer and potentially the Melbourne Cup, with betting options available now through leading Australian wagering sites.
