Former New Zealand galloper Simply Optimistic (Encosta De Lago) recorded his first victory for trainers Trent Busuttin and Natale Young when successful in a benchmark 78 race over 1200m at Geelong on Sunday.
The six-year-old gelding was formerly trained by Busuttin and Young’s stable foreman Brendon Hawtin, and they were thrilled to get the win for the expat Kiwi who shares in the ownership of the gelding with his father Keith.
“Brendon (Hawtin) who works with us does plenty of work with the horse and it’s just so good to see him get a win on the board.” Busuttin said.
The son of Encosta De Lago’s last win came at Randwick in June last year and Busuttin said he just hasn’t had the rub of the green.
“We thought he would have won one by now. He just hasn’t had things go his way, he’s quite a head strong horse,” he said.
Positioned on the rails by jockey Craig Williams, Simply Optimistic only had tiring favourite Deep Dive to go around before surging ahead for a one length victory.
“The pace was on, he got a good run and didn’t over-race and showed a good turn of foot,” Busuttin said.
Busuttin is confident Simply Optimistic can step up to bigger assignments in the coming months.
“I’m sure he can measure to a better race and I’m very happy for all involved,” he said.
