Possible Derby Contender for Fastnet

Progressive colt Anaheim (3c Fastnet Rock x Asmahan, by Zabeel) may get the chance to back up in the Group I VRC Victoria Derby at Flemington this Saturday.

Former Cambridge trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are reportedly keen to push on with Anaheim into Saturday’s $A1.5 million Group I VRC Derby.

The now Cranbourne-based couple produced Anaheim to win a middle distance maiden at Benalla on Monday, with the winning stake enough to gain him a start at Flemington.

Anaheim trialled without racing in New Zealand and he subsequently placed in each of his four starts before breaking through for Ben Melham.

Sent out a short priced favourite he strode clear to win the 2040 metre maiden by a length and a half beating well-bred filly Red Velvet Swing, a half-sister to Group I winner Stratum Star.

The Group I VRC Victoria Derby (2500m) will be a massive temptation for connections given the colt has a big team of owners.

“If he comes through this race okay then I think we have to have a crack at it,” Natalie Young said.

A $160,000 NZB Premier Yearling purchase from the Wellfield Lodge draft for Trent Busuttin, Anaheim is bred for the task being by champion sire Fastnet Rock and is the second winner for winning Zabeel mare Asmahan, a daughter of Group I New Zealand Oaks winner She’s Country.