Establishing an Australian stable is the winter priority for New Zealand trainer Trent Busuttin.

His compatriots Chris Waller and Bjorn Baker have set up successful stables in Sydney in recent years but Busuttin has set his sights on opening a base in Melbourne.

Busuttin, along with partner Natalie Young, is one of a handful of trainers in the running to fill boxes at Caulfield when Rick Hore-Lacy retires in the coming weeks.

He believes Caulfield would be the perfect location for a permanent base in Australian .

"From what I've been told, it's desirable to train in the city if you want to attract the big owners," Busuttin said.

"It's impossible to get into Flemington but Caulfield is a great place to train."

If the Melbourne Racing Club decides in favour of Busuttin it will come at a perfect time for the trainer who is keen to move horses from New Zealand during the quieter winter months, ahead of a hectic spring.

"We'll obviously jump at the chance if we're successful and get there as soon as we can," Busuttin said.

The trainer said he had some talented young stayers to bring across the Tasman for three-year-old features in the spring while the 2011 Victoria Derby winner Sangster was on the comeback trail after missing the autumn with feet trouble.

Sangster has not raced since he pulled up sore when last in the Group One Turnbull Stakes in October but the rising six-year-old is almost ready to resume work.

"We have given him a really long spell and he'll come back into work injury-free and sound," Busuttin said.

"We'll aim up at some of the staying races like the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Sandown Classic."

Busuttin said he would enter Sangster for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups but the triple Group One winner would need to be in career-best form to tackle the rich events.