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Mirage Dancer chasing breakthrough win at The Valley

3 minute read

Son of Frankel will be taking part in the JRA Cup at The Valley.

MIRAGE DANCER.
MIRAGE DANCER. Picture: (Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Training partners Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young are frustrated their imported stayer Mirage Dancer is yet to break through for victory on Australian soil. 

They hope to rectify that when the son of Frankel contests the $200,000 Group 2 JRA Cup (2040m) at The Valley on Friday night. 

Mirage Dancer has raced for Busuttin and Young on eight occasions, filling third place on three occasions, including last year's Caulfield Cup behind Mer De Glace and Vow And Declare

The gelding went on to run in the Melbourne Cup, finishing 14th behind Vow And Declare, but failed to stay the 3200m trip. 

Busuttin and Young had Mirage Dancer entered to run in the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield last Saturday, but with a big weight and a wide draw elected to change tact and head to The Valley. 

"There was nothing wrong with, we just thought this was a better option," Busuttin said. 

"He's on target and will run well on Friday night." 

While the $5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17 is Mirage Dancer's main goal, Busuttin said Friday night's performance would determine what path the stayer takes. 

Mirage Dancer also holds a nomination for the $750,000 Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday week. 

"I wouldn't say no to the Metropolitan," Busuttin said. 

"He's very well weighted. He's weighted in that almost the same as he is in a Caulfield Cup against inferior opposition so Friday night's run will tell us which way we go. 

"Obviously the Caulfield Cup is the main aim, but the reality is he's very harshly weighted in the Caulfield Cup because of his high rating and his consistency." 

Busuttin and Young also saddle Tavirun in Friday night's race with the gelding coming back in trip after a disappointing fourth over 2400m at Caulfield last time out. 

In-form Al Galayel, from the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable, heads the market at $3.30 with TAB ahead of Plein Ciel ($6) and Quick Thinker ($7). 

Mirage Dancer is a $7.50 chance with Tavirun at $8.50 in latest betting. 


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