Trainer Mick Price admits that overturning Observer in the Australian Guineas after their most recent clash will prove challenging.
That said, Price remains committed to securing a fourth victory in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington this Saturday.
“He’s a nice, uncomplicated gelding and he’ll show up, but everything will have to go right for us to turn it around on Observer,” Price said.
“My opinion is no I can’t (beat Observer) but that is not how we’re training him. My opinion is Observer is the clear good horse, and we are there to do our best.”
Price has previously claimed the Australian Guineas with Light Fantastic in 2008 and Heart Of Dreams in 2009, with Grunt providing his most recent success in 2018.
He was also runner-up with Tarzino in 2016 behind Palentino.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Planet Red has faced Observer three times, prevailing over his rival in two of those encounters.
Planet Red notched a first-up victory ahead of Observer in a maiden at Pakenham last May, before the duo next crossed paths in the Caulfield Guineas where Planet Red was second and Observer a fortuitous third.
Observer then captured the Moonee Valley Vase and Group 1 Victoria Derby, returning to take the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 7, as Planet Red charged from last to claim second.
Planet Red enjoyed a 2kg advantage over Observer that day, but they line up on even weights this Saturday.
“I’m not sure how we beat Observer,” Price said.
“We rode our horse cold first-up and I thought it was a very good run, a long-sustained run.
“He’s going well and hopefully he can take up a more forward position in the race.
“He’s had a good prep for the race, he’s sound, he’s got good condition on him, and I’ve got enough horse to go to Sydney for something afterwards, but I haven’t worked that out yet.”
Price hasn’t dismissed the possibility of following up in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas a week on Saturday, though he considers it improbable.
Price recalls Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott’s Global Glamour taking out two Group 1 contests a week apart across states.
“Normally seven days after a Group 1 here and then a trip up to Sydney would be too close, but Gai did it one year from the Flight to the Thousand Guineas, so anything is possible,” Price said.
Check out the latest Australian betting sites for the best racing odds on the Australian Guineas.