Trainer Trent Busuttin has underlined the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) as a possible campaign target for Anaheim, who returned to winning form via an impressive performance at Caulfield on Saturday.

Anaheim is likely to back up in Friday's Benalla Cup, before progressing to the Herbert Power Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Anaheim is likely to back up in Friday’s Benalla Cup, before progressing to the Herbert Power Stakes. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Sent off a $9 shot after drifting in betting markets for the Lojac Civil BM78 (1800m), Anaheim took a handy position in transit behind the early pace and mustered a superior turn of foot to beat Sin To Win by more than half a length.

Busuttin was pleased with Anaheim’s return to the winner’s stall and told RSN that the horse is likely to back-up in Friday’s Benalla Cup (2000m) before a likely fourth-up run in the Herbert Power Stakes a fortnight later.

“He deserved to win – he’s been there about for about 18 months with no luck, so it was nice to get a win with him,” Busuttin said.

“We’re probably going to back him up on Friday in the Benalla Cup – a $100,000 race, 2000m and he’s a big, strong entire who has come back to the stable and thrived.

“If he can win a race like that or go close in a race like that, we’ll maybe look at the Herbert Power two weeks later.

“It’s 2400m at Caulfield and just a rung below the top-liners obviously, but it’s still a $400,000 race. They might be a couple of nice races for him.”

Anaheim only made his debut as a three-year-old during the 2016 Spring Carnival, but has already posted several impressive performances and results and boasts a commendable record of three wins and five minors, through only fourteen starts.

Ending his debut preparation with a smart win in the Listed TV Stakes (1800m), the Fastnet Rock entire resumed this year for third in the Le Pine Funerals BM78 (1400m) before running fifth in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) and fourth in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

Failing to fire in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m), Anaheim was sent to the paddock after running mid-pack in both the Sky High Mt Dandenong BM84 (2000m) and Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m).

Nominations for Friday’s 2017 Benalla Cup are due to close today (Monday, 25 September).

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.