Trainer Trent Busuttin is thrilled with the condition of three-year-old Anaheim, but concedes that there is a question mark over his wet track ability ahead of Saturday’s 2017 Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Hugh Bowman will ride Anaheim in Saturday’s Group 1 Rosehill Guineas. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
Anaheim has shown plenty of ability through a short racing career so far, but has undoubtedly stepped up in ability since resuming this time; running third in a Sandown minor over 1400m first-up before storming home to finish fifth in the talent-rich and capacity Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) last time out on March 4th.
Busuttin told Racing Ahead that he cannot fault the condition of the Savabeel colt, but conceded that he is unsure how he will stack up against what is likely-to-be a talent-stacked 2017 Rosehill Guineas field, on what is likely-to-be a heavy track.
“We’ve got Hugh Bowman booked on him, which is a huge plus obviously,” Busuttin said.
“His run in the Australian Guineas was excellent, his sectionals were good and it was probably the barrier draw that cost him finishing a lot closer.
“He’ll relish the 2000m, but there will be a big query on him on a wet track. I think he’s going to be a horse that’s better on top of the ground, but he’s not going it get that. It’s as simple as that.
“He can’t not run. He ran second, albeit at Benalla on an absolutely bottomless track so we just hope that he can get through it a bit.”
Anaheim debuted to racing for third in a Sale minor over 1400m in August last year and continued to impressive through three further starts in Victoria, whilst unable to break through for an elusive win.
Breaking the duck when a dominant winner at Benalla on October 24th, Anaheim made a successful transition to black type company when a comfortable winner of the Listed TV Stakes (1800m) on Crown Oaks Day.
The 2017 Rosehill Guineas field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.
Anaheim is currently available at early 2017 Rosehill Guineas odds of $15 at Ladbrokes.com.au.
