The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained The Holy One booked his ticket for the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas after leading all the way in Friday Night's $200,000 Group II Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
After jumping well for Brett Prebble, The Holy One led at sensible fractions early before Prebble began to up the speed 600 metres out and immediately had the chasing pack off the bit.
The son of Tavistock kept up a strong gallop to defeat the well supported Vegas Knight (Declaration of War), who was caught three wide the trip, by a half-length with Conqueror (Fastnet Rock) a solid finishing third a further short-half-head back. (image Grant Courtney)
After breaking his maiden at Echuca on July 25, The Holy One made it two on the trot when overcoming difficulty to win over 1400 metres at Sandown. He again had little luck when beaten into fourth place behind Power Scheme at Moonee Valley at his most recent start.
"Things didn't pan out for him last start but this looked a nice race for him," Busuttin said.
"Brett has been doing a heap of work for us so it's good to get a result for him.
"We love the Tavistocks, they just keep winning so we will keep buying them.
"We specked him at the Ready To Run in November last year, so that's less than 12 months ago and they will have a runner in the Caulfield Guineas."
A $65,000 purchase by Fallstaff Bloodstock out of the Bradbury Park draft at Karaka Book 2, The Holy One made $160,000 to the bid of Tim Scales/Busuttin Racing out of the Kilmore Farm draft at the 2018 Ready To Run Sale of 2YOs.
The Holy One is the third foal and first winner for the Pentire (GB) mare Entirely Saintly who is a half-sister to the dual Group III winner Zilzie (Generous) and the stakes-placed Pinsgold (Pins).
Entirely Saintly has a yearling filly by Redwood (IRE) and was covered by the son of High Chaparral again last year.
The Holy One becomes the 18th stakes-winner for Cambridge Stud's Tavistock.
