Tavago’s return still uncertain

CO-TRAINER Trent Busuttin wishes he had another week up his sleeve with Tavago, who could make his return in a Group 2 race at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Busuttin, who co-trains with partner Natalie Young, says Tavago will be entered for the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes (1600m) but is only a 50-50 chance to run.

Ideally he would like the race a week later and for that reason the five-year-old may resume in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

Tavago has been entered for a 1190m trial at Cranbourne today and Busuttin says he and Young are undecided whether the gelding will take his place.

Busuttin said Tavago galloped at Cranbourne on Saturday in a workout that pleased both trainers.

“I’d probably prefer to go to the Valley first-up on the Strath-Ayr track with him but it’s just a week too soon for where we are with him,” Busuttin said.

“But his coat is starting to come through and his gallop was enormous and Natalie was rapt with him also.

“We’ll throw a nomination in and make a decision.”

The winner of the 2016 Australian Derby hasn’t raced since March.