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Busuttin Derby dreaming again

3 minute read

Half-brother to Tavago makes a winning debut.

KOSGEI. Picture: Racing Photos

Trent Busuttin has already won a Derby with a son of Sara Ann and the Cranbourne trainer is dreaming of another after Thursday's debut win of Kosgei.

The three-year-old The Autumn Sun gelding got his career off to the perfect start when he wore down odds-on favourite Gallant Prince to win the Adroit Insurance Maiden Plate (1400m) at Bendigo

Kosgei is a half-brother to Tavago, a son of Tavistock who Busuttin and co-trainer Natalie Young prepared to win the 2016 ATC Australian Derby.

"He's shown us a bit, ultimately he's going to get out over a trip – he's a half-brother to Tavago, who we had earlier on – but he's a bigger, stronger version.

"He'd trialled up nicely and he was obviously well-ridden today by Blake (Shinn). It was a nice win."

Kosgei was twice passed in in 2022, first at the Karaka Yearling Sale where he failed to reach his $150,000 reserve and later at the New Zealand Ready To Run Sale, where he had a reserve of $160,000.

Kosgei, who is named after champion Kenyan marathon runner Brigid Kosgei, is the 10th to race from Sara Ann, a daughter of Stravinsky whose standout performer to date is Tavago, while she is also the dam of nine-time Hong Kong winner Archippus.

Busuttin said Kosgei might now head to the $75,000 Darley Colts & Geldings Spring Preview (1800m) at Flemington on Sunday, September 24, which carries a ballot exemption from this year's Victoria Derby (2500m).