Trainer Mick Price’s prospects of securing a third Blue Diamond Stakes have improved after the barrier draw for Victoria’s top two-year-old race.
Price, successful in the Group 1 event for juveniles with Extreme Choice in 2016 and Samaready in 2012, sends two colts into Caulfield’s Group 1 showdown over 1200m this Saturday.
Teamed up now with Michael Kent Jnr, the Cranbourne trainers have Guest House and Big Sky set to run, with the duo allocated barriers three and five in the 16-horse lineup that includes four emergencies.
If the emergencies miss out, Guest House starts from gate two while Big Sky takes barrier three just outside.
The colts now lead the updated betting following the draw. Big Sky heads the market at $4, with Guest House tightening from $5.50 to $5, ahead of debut victor Closer To Free at $6.50 and Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Unit Five at $7.
Price favours Guest House slightly, noting Big Sky remains unbeaten after two outings.
“In all my time of watching races, if something duff’s the start, locks onto the bridle, pulls double, sits there deep, exposed, they run second last, not second,” Price said.
“I couldn’t believe he ran second (in the Prelude) and I thought that was indicative of his capacity at his second start and I thought it was a huge effort.
“I think if he bounces good, gets his sectionals right and is allowed to get his best sectional in his last 300 (metres), then he’s going to be hard to beat.
“I think it’s a good gate for Big Sky. I think he is a more polite horse.
“Jordan Childs rides him for the first time, and he has a good set of hands.
“I like the way he rides, and I think he will get him pretty right.”
Price noted that Guest House lacks awareness of his power, explaining the stable lacked time to settle him ahead of targeting the Blue Diamond after just two runs.
In a perfect scenario, he would opt for equestrian training for Guest House but feels a solid performance under race pressure will make him tough to pass.
Check out the Australian betting sites for the best prices on the Blue Diamond Stakes this weekend.
Price indicated these current colts proved tougher to prepare than his prior winners.
“Samaready, Extreme Choice, even Flying Artie, they were no trouble,” Price said.
“These two are a bit more challenging. Timing wise, it’s perfect, they’ve got to turn up on race day.”
The post Price and Kent Jnr hold strong hand in Blue Diamond Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.