Sully set to be the big improver with the switch to Randwick

Clinton Payne - Thursday October 5

Co-trainer Trent Busuttin expects to see the Sully he knows in Saturday's Group I Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.

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Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are expecting a stronger performance from Sully in the Spring Champion Stakes on Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart

Busuttin trains the son of Reliable Man in partnership with Natalie Young and conceded he's not sure he can find the 5-3/4 lengths needed to turn the tables on the Gloaming Stakes winner Ace High.

But he's adamant the horse Sydney racegoers saw at Rosehill wasn't a true reflection of Sully.

"He raced a bit flat off the eight-day back-up in the Gloaming Stakes," Busuttin said.

"It was all a bit too rushed for him but I think you'll see a different horse on Saturday.

"It all probably happened a bit too quick for him and I think it just took the edge off him at Rosehill.

"First time around the Sydney way at Rosehill I've found horses really improve off it.

"They are different horses when they get to Randwick and I'm hoping that will be the case with Sully.

"I'm not saying he will beat horses like Ace High and Sanctioned, but I'm confident there won't be as big a margin between them this time."

Busuttin has tinkered with Sully's gear since his last start fourth placing and has taken a different approach in the preparation of the lightly-raced gelding which is an $8 equal fourth favourite for Saturday's Group I contest.

"We haven't done a lot of work with him since the Rosehill run," he said. "We've kept him ticking over with a lot of swimming and walking and he's freshened up well.

"We've also put a hood (blinkers) on him for Saturday which will also see him more focused if his work is anything to go by.

"We were hoping to be a bit closer in the run this time but that went out the window with the barrier draw.

"I know he's a better horse than what people saw at Rosehill, he's learning all the time and hopefully he puts his best foot forward on Saturday."

Sully will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla on Saturday.

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