Racing: Sangster takes first steps to Derby

Jockey Hugh Bowman is riding Sangster. Photo / Getty Images

VRC Derby hero Sangster is about to get his perfect fresh-up record smashed at Te Rapa on Saturday but trainer Trent Busuttin says that is all part of his long-term plan.

And considering the last time Busuttin and partner Natalie Young had a plan with Sangster it resulted in the Derby triumph, it is worth trusting the young trainers.

Sangster takes on fellow Aussie group one winner from the spring Mufhasa, Veyron and brilliant Telegraph victor Guiseppina in the $200,000 Waikato Draught Sprint on Saturday, his first start since that Derby win on October 29.

While he has won fresh-up in both his previous campaigns, Busuttin realises that won't be happening on Saturday.

"I can't see anyway he can beat Mufhasa, Veyron or Guiseppina," he told the Herald.

"They are all very good horses and I think Mufhasa will be too good for us all.

"He will be up there leading or sitting close to the speed and we won't get close enough to run him down."

Sangster has come back bulked up after his summer break but now needs racing to trim down.

"When he won the Derby he was 490kg but now he is 515kg.

"He hasn't got any taller but he has really filled out.

"He looks strong."

Sangster was given an easy trial at Paeroa three weeks ago because of the hard track so will be short of anything like peak fitness for one of our few great 1400m races.

"If he is running on for fourth then we will be happy," said Busuttin.

Jonathan Riddell will ride him for the first time.

"It is great to get him because he is a proven group one rider and he didn't make too many mistakes on Jimmy Choux last season."

Sangster's main aim for the autumn is the AJC Derby at Randwick on April 14 but he will return to Flemington on March 3 for the Australian Guineas.

"It is big money so if he can run in the money there he will pay for his entire Australian trip."

The draw for Saturday's race initially appears to favour last-start Telegraph Handicap winner Guiseppina at barrier one with veteran sprinter Mufhasa at seven in the eight-horse field but their racing patterns will ensure the warhorse ends up in front of the wonderful mare so bookies are likely to open Mufhasa the favourite.

While the sprint should be a sensational race, the lack of genuine 2000m weight-for-age horses in this country is exposed once again in the International Stakes.

While Shez Sinsational and Rock 'n' Pop add some age group class to the $200,000 event it is essentially a glorified handicap race and that gives Busuttin a ray of hope with Six O'Clock News.

You would have got astronomical odds on the Wellington Cup winner capturing a group one weight-for-age race earlier in the summer but he did win the Trentham Stakes over 2100m two starts ago and Saturday's field is anything but imposing. "I think he has a winning hope simply because he is in good form and there have to be some questions marks over some of the others.

"But it was either this or the Avondale Cup with 59kgs next week."

While the International Stakes may not set pulses racing unless Rock 'n' Pop can claim back Telecom Derby favouritism, Saturday's other feature is a stunner.

Planet Rock faces a horror draw against last-start Royal Stakes conqueror Chicharita in the $100,000 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic.

The field also contains Zurella and Desert Gold Stakes winner Quintessential, as well as four of the next five home in that Trentham feature.

SPRINT RETURN

* VRC Derby winner Sangster returns in the $200,000 Sprint at Te Rapa on Saturday.

* He meets Telegraph winners Mufhasa and Guiseppina.

* Trainer Trent Busuttin says Sangster is using the race as a warm-up for his Australian campaign.

* The $100,000 Sir Tristram Classic has drawn an exceptional field.