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| Staff Writer |
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Bustling, the boom Perth 3YO, is set to commence his Everest campaign in Saturday's Gr.2 Run To The Rose at Rosehill. The grey gelding, now under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is looking to make his mark in Sydney's premier sprint.
Price and Kent Jnr are no strangers to preparing a 3YO for The Everest. Their only runner in the race's seven-year history was Jacquinot, who finished a close fifth behind Giga Kick in 2022 after winning the Gr.1 Golden Rose.
Unlike Jacquinot, Bustling won't be stretching out to the Golden Rose distance. Price outlined the gelding's spring schedule, saying, "He'll go to The Heritage after Saturday and the one after is The Everest. He'll have two runs and then it's into The Everest."
The Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) is slated for 28 September, providing a three-week gap before The Everest on 19 October.
Bustling's credentials are impressive, having won the Gr.2 Karrakatta Plate by 4.2 lengths in his home state. He's one of just two horses with a confirmed Everest slot, alongside star sprinter I Wish I Win.
Price expressed satisfaction with Bustling's recent trial win at Rosehill, stating, "He was good in the trial and will have Chad Schofield on. Chad will be able to ride 53 in The Everest. He'll be hungry and can do it."
The Run To The Rose has been a launching pad for several champions. Notable winners include Bivouac (2019), who went on to claim the Gr.1 Golden Rose and later the Gr.1 VRC Classic, and Exosphere (2015), who followed up with victories in the Golden Rose and Gr.1 Roman Consul Stakes.
Despite the optimism, Price highlighted one potential obstacle in Bustling's path: "He does not like wet ground, so I don't know what we'll do there if it comes up a wet track on The Everest. He's from Perth, so how would he like the wet ground?"
Saturday's race is shaping up to be a cracker, with dominant first-up winner Storm Boy heading the market. Bustling will face stiff competition from the likes of Traffic Warden, Switzerland, Linebacker, and Gatsby.
Slot holders Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, and Col Madden purchased shares in Bustling in May, securing him as the first runner to gain an Everest slot. Their early commitment speaks volumes about the gelding's potential.
As the spring carnival heats up, all eyes will be on Bustling to see if he can live up to the hype and justify his place in the world's richest turf race. With his impressive Perth form and the skilled guidance of Price and Kent Jnr, the grey sensation is poised to make his mark on the eastern seaboard.