The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable are expecting a rise in trip to suit Vianarra in a Stakes race at Flemington.
Vianarra heads to the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) on Saturday in a bid to break through for his maiden success.
The son of Shalaa is the most experienced galloper in Saturday’s field, lining up for his sixth start which has seen him race in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
After contesting 1000m races in Victoria last spring, Vianarra made his way to Sydney where he ran second over 1200m at Randwick in December before heading further north to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) in January.
Owned by an all-female group, Vianarra collected a nice prize on the Gold Coast despite finishing in the second-half of the field.
“We went up to the Magic Millions to chase the Ladies’ Bonus after he ran second at Randwick,” Young said.
“We thought we’d go up there and try and pick up some of that bonus money and we ended up picking up $115,000 for running 11th.
“But it all went a little bit pear-shaped for him. The track was a little bit tight.
“The roomier track will suit him on Saturday, but we’ve drawn off the track and it is a step up in grade to a Group 2.”
Young said Vianarra had a couple of weeks off after running on the Gold Coast before being prepared for the Sires’
Vianarra had a jump-out at Cranbourne on February 26 which Young said should be disregarded.
“He trialled up and it didn’t look that good, he nearly got put over the rail,” Young said.
“But he worked up quite nice on Tuesday.
“He’s a horse that is probably looking for the 1400 metres. He’s bred to get that 1400 metres, mile trip, so from the draw we’ll ride him cold, ride for a bit of luck, and see if he can hit the line.
“There will be a group of ladies at the races on Saturday and if he runs below par, we can tip him out and give him a good break.
“We thought it was a good race to have a look at with him. It’s a Group 2, and the two-year-old’s have to get the 1400 metres which we think he will be able to do.”