Thank the Lord.
That was co-trainer Mick Price’s initial reaction when questioned about his delight that Observer would not be competing against Planet Red in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
In contrast, while Planet Red, under the guidance of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, heads to Caulfield, Observer is pursuing further Group 1 targets up in Sydney for the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
The horse from the Price and Kent Jnr stable has trailed Observer in both starts this preparation, placing second in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield and the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.
“With all due respect to that very good horse Observer, he was unlucky in the Caulfield Guineas, but we ran second and Planet Red’s two runs this time in have been dictated to by bad barriers,” Price said.
“First-up he was ridden cold and whooshed home very well and then in the Australian Guineas, it was the same thing.
“I couldn’t work out how to ride him and watching the race unfold, I think it was the right thing to do.
“It’s a different race on Saturday, different tempo, different barrier, and I think it will be change of tactics.
“In a 2000-metre race when they sit up there will be no need for him to be too far away.”
Price indicated that Planet Red’s current campaign could wrap up following Saturday’s event, as he aims to help the gelding build some condition onto his body.
Moreover, Price remains uncertain if Planet Red is genuinely a stayer, though he believes the 2000m distance this weekend should pose no problems.
“He’s a strong horse, with a good brain, but while he’s a good size, he just doesn’t have the muscle on him that I would like to see,” Price said.
“He’s done the work to run 2000 metres, He’s fit, very sound and it’s a nice race for him, but I don’t think I will persevere too long this preparation because he’s a growing horse on a good frame.
“I don’t know if he’s a true staying horse, but he’s a nice miler, 2000-metre horse and I think he will come back as a nice four-year-old if we look after him.
“Hopefully he can go out on a winning note.”
Explore the latest Australian betting sites for competitive odds on Planet Red in the Alister Clark Stakes.
