Mick Price’s strong Australian Guineas record is back in focus after Space Rider claimed the Manfred Stakes at Caulfield.

The colt is now firmly on a path toward the Group 1 Australian Guineas following his Group 3 success over 1200 metres.

Despite drawing barrier ten, Space Rider overcame the challenge to remain unbeaten first-up, making it three from three at that stage of his preparation.

“He is still a bit of a bull and he knows he’s good,” stable racing manager Tom Sheahan said.

Starting at $15, Space Rider defeated stablemate Job Done ($5.50) by half a length, with favourite Salty Pearl ($5) another half-length back in third.

“Mick said not to get too far out of your ground because I wasn’t to see him through the line,” jockey Ethan Brown said.

“He bounced well and put himself there but he is a big colt who needs stimulation so I was happy to have him travelling with the tempo, even though we probably hit the front a bit soon.

“I just played around with him – one on the left, one on the right – just kept him thinking but when other horses got to him he pinned his ears back and wanted to win that race.”

Space Rider has since firmed from $26 into $15 for the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on February 28.

Sheahan indicated the C.S. Hayes Stakes (1400m) could be his next start.