The entry of Pride Of Jenni into the All-Star Mile creates a tricky scenario for Sabaj, the gelding prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
The All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington this Saturday serves as the backup option for Sabaj following a poor blood result that sidelined him from the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington a week ago.
Sabaj was targeting the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 28, planned through the Blamey and the Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in a fortnight, aware that Pride Of Jenni was heading to the All-Star Mile.
“Originally, we wanted to go Blamey, Peter Young, Australian Cup,” Price said.
“We thought that was the best option because if Pride Of Jenni is at her best, she is unbeatable.
“I don’t know if she is, but whenever she is a race, they can be upset races.
“Who is the horse that carts up?
“Those races are so unusual when Pride Of Jenni is blasting away, but because we had a bad blood count, we’ve ended up in the All-Star Mile, and I’m not sure whether we end up in the Australian Cup after that or not.”
Price noted that Sabaj showed an elevated inflammatory indicator in his blood tests, explaining he avoids running any horse with such an issue.
He added that Sabaj has recovered well and, with a favourable barrier draw, anticipates a strong performance from the gelding, though he won’t be the pacemaker as rivals attempt to close on Pride Of Jenni.
“He’ll be around there somewhere at the finish, but everyone needs her to have an off day,” Price said.
“If you have horses behind you and only Pride Of Jenni in front of you, it’s a tough gig, but I don’t think that will be us.
“I’m not sure who it is, and that is why it can be an upset race. You can only ride the race you are in, not Pride Of Jenni’s race.
“If she capitulates, you’re on, if not, no-one beats her.”
Price mentioned his desire to stretch Sabaj to 2000m, viewing the Australian Cup as ideal for that test.
However, due to the setback, it’s uncertain if Sabaj will reach that event, potentially delaying until the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick next month.
The Doncaster Mile (1600m) could serve as a preparatory run.
“He’s a good miler on a big track but plans are up in the air because we had to divert,” Price said.
“I’ve been keen to try him at 2000 metres because I think he’s got that tempo about him and if they do get 2000 metres, it opens up more options.
“He could end up in the Queen Elzabeth, or he could go to Queensland, but we were going to find out a but in the Australian Cup.”
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