The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable are treating the Naturalism Stakes as a mini–Grand Final for promising galloper Uncle Bryn.
The Group 3 race over 2000m at Caulfield on Saturday provides the winner a ballot exemption into the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 15.
Busuttin and Young breathed a sigh of relief when Uncle Bryn made the final field when acceptances were taken on Wednesday.
Saturday’s race was the one they had picked out as their likely way of squeezing into the Caulfield Cup.
As a lead-up to the Naturalism, a 1600m race at Moonee Valley on September 3 was picked out as the race that would possibly get Uncle Bryn into Saturday’s contest.
While trying to beat the handicapper for the major Spring Carnival races, Busuttin and Young were also mindful of getting Uncle Bryn’s rating up to get into some of the qualifying races for those races.
Unfortunately, Uncle Bryn could finish only second at Moonee Valley which placed the gelding in danger of missing out on Saturday.
But on Wednesday they were pleased to see Uncle Bryn in the field and drawn in barrier one.
“He’s got everything in his favour now that he’s got into the field,” Young said.
“We were worried about missing out after running second at The Valley. The bunny was off and gone and we couldn’t peg him back, but I thought to his credit he was great late.
“The point of that race was to try and win to get into the Naturalism and luckily, he’s made the field.
“His work has been terrific since and up to the 2000 metres should be ideal for him.”
Uncle Bryn is currently the $4.60 favourite with TAB ahead of Gold Trip at $5.