Price Looking For Another Guineas Surprise
Mick Price only has to look back to his win with $101 chance Mighty Boss in the Caulfield Guineas three years ago to know his trio of horses are in the race with a chance.
Price and co-trainer Mick Kent Junior will have three runners in the Group One feature on Saturday which are Cambourne, Captain Corelli and National Choice.
Looking back to Mighty Boss’ victory, Price said he gave him only a fluker’s hope.
“I thought if he ran up to his best he could be a top three or four chance,” Price said.
“Michael Walker gave him a super ride and everything worked out for him.”
On that occasion, Mighty Boss held off a boom Sydney colt in Kementari.
On Saturday, Price believes Sydney colts Ole Kirk, Mo’unga and King’s Legacy will be the testing material again.
“I think the race has opened up with Glenfiddich out,” Price said.
“The best local hopes are Crosshaven and Tagaloa, who I think will be great chances and I don’t think my horses are too far away from them.”
At their last starts, National Choice finished third, Cambourne fourth and Captain Corelli fifth in the Caulfield Guineas Prelude behind Crosshaven.
Price and Kent Junior nominated Cambourne as the best of their trio.
Price said they had placed blinkers on Cambourne and hoped that would help keep him in touch early.
“He’ll be suited by a genuine 1600 metre race and hopefully he’s not spotting them too much start,” Price said.
“I like Captain Corelli but think he’s our Derby horse. My query with National Choice is whether he can run out a mile.”
The stable also has two fillies in the Thousand Guineas in last-start Jim Moloney Stakes winner Odeum and Night Raid.
Price said Night Raid had a tough run when she led and finished fourth to Saturday’s rival Instant Celebrity at her most recent appearance.
“That run took a lot out of her. I can tell you she won’t lead this time,” Price said.
“Odeum has had a faultless preparation and is a bit tougher than the other filly.”