The Holy One wins the Stutt Stakes (Image: Racing Photos)
Trent Busuttin thinks one day he could win a Derby with Tavistock colt The Holy One but for now, there is only one spring classic on his mind after the horse took the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at The Valley on Friday night.
In what was a grand opening to the night racing season for Busuttin and his training partner Natalie Young with the first two winners on the program, Busuttin said the stable may have produced two potential spring Group 1 contenders.
While his opening winner Barcali will be on a sprinting path, Busuttin said The Holy One would be given a chance in the $2 million Caulfield Guineas – a race which the Stutt Stakes can often impact.
"I think in time he’ll be wanting more ground and even the Guineas might be a bit short but you’ve got to go there now after tonight’s win," he said.
"He’s a Tavistock and we love them and his pedigree suggests he’ll get longer but we didn’t want to get him to the derby this spring so we’ll put all our efforts into winning the Guineas."
Starting at $9, The Holy One was on the speed throughout and he shot clear before holding on late for jockey Brett Prebble to win by half a length over Vegas Knight ($4.80) and Conqueror ($6.50).
WATCH: The Holy One makes all to win the Stutt Stakes.
The stable’s opening winner Barcali is a potentially highly valuable Zoustar colt and he showed the type of speed that has made his sire a star when he won the 1200m race, opening up a chance at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes on Victoria Derby day.
"You might as well aim high when they win at this time of year," Busuttin said after Barcali beat off a late challenge from odds-on favourite King Of Hastings.
"The upside could be enormous being a Zoustar and you can always drop them back (in class).
"It’s 10 steps higher than here but he’s earned a shot at it."
The stable purchased Barcali at the Melbourne Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $170,000.
WATCH: Barcali wins the opener at The Valley.