Trainers eye Group One for Gustavo

9 March 2015

The Gr.1 Easter Handicap looms as a possible target for the progressive four-year-old Gustavo, who struck for the fourth time in his brief career at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The hot training duo of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have the Manco-sponsored mile in mind for the gelding following his all the way victory in the New Zealand Herald 1400.

“He’s a chance – he’s by Savabeel and they can do anything,” Baker said. “He’s got a fair bit of class this guy.”

Gustavo headed straight to the lead under jockey Craig Grylls from a wide alley and showed no signs of buckling under pressure in the straight.

“That’s just what we wanted to do – he drew wide and Craig had to take the initiative,” Baker said.

“The horse dropped down in weight to the minimum in a Rating 85 and it was a good effort.”

Gustavo is raced his breeder Scott Richardson, who also savoured Group Three success with stablemate Diademe in Wednesday’s Westbury Classic.

“He’s also got Burbero in the Canberra Cup on Sunday so hopefully he can make it three,” said Baker, whose son Bjorn prepares Burbero.

Gustavo, who had placed in each of his previous five starts, rallied strongly in the closing 50 metres to hold out the late run of Miss Foxwood with the topweight To Be Sure taking third in a competitive line up.

“Murray and Andrew have been good to me and we’ve had quite a bit of success,” Grylls said. “It’s great to get another one for them.” – NZ Racing Desk.

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