Busuttin emphasizes need for cover

Trent Busuttin will treat Emphasize’s (NZ) (Embellish) last-start effort in the Gr.2 Autumn Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield as a complete forget run as the plan to get him to the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) next month remains.

The stable could have two runners in the race with the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) runner-up Thedoctoroflove (So You Think) also likely to head to that race at Randwick on April 5.

Busuttin said Emphasize will have his next start in the Gr.2 Alister Clarke Stakes (2040m) at The Valley on March 22 and he expects him to return to his best.

The co-trainer said Emphasize’s last-start fourth in the Autumn Stakes behind Shanwah (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) at Caulfield had to be forgiven.

“He’s always been a horse in his work and in his trials that’s had the tendency to grab the bridle and he took hold of Craig (Williams) as he saw clear air early in the race and he started charging,” Busuttin said.

“We’ve always been mindful of this habit and we’ve tried to get cover, which is what he needs otherwise when he sees clear air he charges into the bridle.”

“The race was over for him with 1200m to run as he was charging into the bridle.”

“The effort to finish where he did was solid enough.”

Busuttin said the lightly raced galloper had won his previous two previous starts as he managed to get cover in the run.

“He will head to the Alister Clarke Stakes and we’ll make sure he gets cover and he’ll turn it around quickly,” he said.

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