Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker finds himself in a fortunate position, with former Kiwi colleagues Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young being avid animal lovers.
The Victorian-based training partnership of Busuttin and Young is currently hosting the favourite for Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, Warwoven, at their Cranbourne stable.
The catch is that Busuttin and Young also have the second favourite, Blind Raise, in their charge as they pursue a major career victory.
Busuttin, Young, and Baker reciprocate by housing each other’s horses when they travel interstate, a practice built over many years stemming from a friendship that began in New Zealand when they were younger.
Warwoven arrived at Cranbourne at 4am on Friday, and Busuttin confessed he was hesitant to go and see 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 has a strong form line, Busuttin expressed complete satisfaction with his own horse’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 started his campaign with a win at Sandown while not fully wound up, before recording an impressive victory in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on September 19.
It appeared Blind Raise might have been pressured by a mid-race move, but Busuttin suggested that the rail being out could have been a contributing factor to the gelding’s commanding 2-¾ length win.
Blake Shinn retains the ride on Saturday, and Busuttin has immense faith in the jockey.
“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 shaping up to be a highly competitive race.
Check out the online bookmakers for the latest odds on this exciting Group 1 race.