Mick Price requires no prompt about the challenge facing Charm Stone as she prepares for her fresh appearance at Caulfield.
The inclusion of Jimmysstar and Angel Capital in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) leaves the co-trainer somewhat concerned, yet he points out that Charm Stone has enjoyed an ideal build-up ahead of her Saturday comeback.
This mare, under the guidance of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, boasts two Group 1 triumphs and crucially will dictate her own fate during the race.
Price detailed how she plans to position prominently upfront, steering clear of trouble, unlike Jimmysstar and Angel Capital who figure to settle back in the field.
Charm Stone claimed her pair of Group 1 successes when returning from spells – the Sangster Stakes following a three-month absence and the Manikato Stakes after four months off.
On this occasion, it’s a five-month gap, though Price and Kent Jnr oversaw the full preparation since the mare joined their stable directly, bypassing a pre-trainer.
A visit to Caulfield for a gallop between races sharpened her condition, complemented by two jump-outs, including the latest at Cranbourne on March 9.
“She took a bit out of that gallop and what we have done, she has needed,” Price said.
“She did not do any pre-training. She came straight to us. She had a bit of ‘pudding’ on her, and she’s needed some gallops, but she hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“She’s had a brilliant prep, she goes good fresh and she’s reasonably fit and if the race sets up well for her, she should be around the money as she will take a forward position and take luck out of the equation.
“In the Manikato, she was up there. She’s been springing the gates really well and I would expect her to again bounce and put herself there.
“She’s had a good prep. She’s a very happy mare.”
Ben Melham and Damian Lane are committed in Sydney, while Mark Zahra partners Jimmysstar, so Thomas Stockdale will handle Charm Stone on Saturday, having joined her for a Caulfield gallop on Tuesday.
Post-Monday’s downpour, that track section was impacted, but with clear skies predicted through the week, Price anticipates perfect conditions.
“Tommy Stockdale won a Group 3 on Gumdrops for Sheamus Mills and the owners and has a bit of a connection there,” Price said.
“He’s a loyal worker, a nice jockey that helps us a lot and has ridden a lot for Sheamus.
“I’m happy to have him on and hopefully he wins his first Group 1.”
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