Mick Price admits he is searching for answers with Space Rider as the colt steps to 1400 metres in Saturday’s Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude at Caulfield.
After an impressive first-up win at Moonee Valley, the colt disappointed when second last in the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) on September 6.
“He is coming off a poor run where I don’t have a reason for his poor run,” Price said.
“He worked good on Saturday morning and I don’t want to say he’s fighting for his manhood, but they’ve got to be genuine, don’t they?
We’ll try him at 1400 metres… if he doesn’t fire we won’t be going towards the Guineas.”
A strong showing would keep the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 11 in play. Blake Shinn takes the ride.
Stablemate Planet Red will also line up, with Mark Zahra retaining the mount after a promising Valley fourth. Price believes 1600m is his target, but concedes the Golden Rose form will raise the bar.