Price confident with Extreme Choice
Mick Price says Extreme Choice’s strength at the end of his races is what sets him apart.
The colt will be put to the test in a star-studded Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on Saturday which will include his stablemate Flying Artie and Group One winners Astern and Capitalist.
His trainer said Extreme Choice’s last 200 metres was where he came to the fore as he showed against older horses in the Group One Moir Stakes.
“I think that’s what won him a Blue Diamond. That’s what won him a Moir Stakes. And I think that’s what will win him a Coolmore,” Price said.
“I’m pretty confident with him. But it is a great race.”
Extreme Choice is the early favourite for Saturday’s 1200m straight-track sprint for three-year-olds which has attracted a stellar cast.
The field of 10 includes Golden Rose winner Astern, Golden Slipper winner Capitalist along with Star Turn ($4.20), and Capitalist’s unbeaten stablemate Russian Revolution.
Price said Extreme Choice and Flying Artie worked together at Caulfield earlier this week.
“I worked them together on Tuesday morning. Hugh Bowman rode Flying Artie and Craig Newitt was on Extreme Choice, but they were told to finish together,” he said.
“I didn’t want a competition out there for no prize money, but it was good work. Both colts go in spot-on.
Price also took confidence out of Extreme Choice’s narrow win in a jump-out last Friday at Flemington in which Astern and Russian Revolution also trialled.
“Craig just said he went straight as an arrow. That’s him though,” Price said.
“He’s never flustered. He’s never distracted. He’s a supreme athlete. He saves it for game day, and he never wavered.
“I know Astern was jog trotting in behind and Russian Revolution was sitting right there, but the thing is all good horses will trial like that.
“It’s what happens in the last 150 metres when they really have to dig in, when they are feeling a bit of fatigue and their genes say this is what I can do.
“The best horse will win.
“I’m hoping it’s mine. But if it’s not, good luck to the winner.”