Jockey John Allen has taken out back-to-back Group 3 features at Caulfield on Saturday, as Uncle Bryn (+3000) proved too good in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m).
The Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained gelding has taken dramatic improvement after being well-beaten in the Listed Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) three weeks ago, courtesy of a tremendous steer by John Allen.
He box-seated the entire journey aboard the lightly raced five-year-old, and once he pushed the button, managed to put a margin on his rivals, signifying the 2400m journey of a Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) might be right up his ally.
The son of Sea The Stars coasted through the line in the end, while race favourite Floating Artist (+180) didn't lose any admirers running into the quinella spot, with Alaskan God (+600) running boldly into third.
2023 Group 3 Naturalism Stakes Replay – Uncle Bryn | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: John Allen
The win means Uncle Bryn is now ballot-exempt for the Caulfield Cup and guaranteed a feather-light weight heading into the feature event, which co-trained Trent Busuttin confirmed would be the logical next step for Uncle Bryn.
“We thought he's been going alright (Uncle Brynn),” said Busuttin.
“His runs at the races have been just, with maybe some excuses.
“We kept on saying he's a good horse.
“He got beat in this race last year but he's got a spot in the Caulfield Cup now.
“He's got no weight and he won that good.
“Onwards and upwards, just good to see him back in form.”
John Allen was pleasantly surprised with the effort and is confident Uncle Bryn can head to the Caulfield Cup being competitive.
“Very good win,” said Allen.
“He didn't give me an easy time, he was on the steel the whole way, but he was travelling well, just thought he might be doing a bit too much in the run but jeez he travelled around the corner and got the gap and let down good.
“Trent (Busuttin) & Natalie (Young) definitely have him back on track.”
If Uncle Bryn does line up in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 21, +2500 is currently available with top online bookmakers.