Price trying to beat ballot in Naturalism
Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss will be trying to find his best form in the Naturalism Stakes.
Mick Price is expecting a rise in distance to benefit two of his Caulfield Cup hopefuls when they clash in an important lead up race at Caulfield.
The Naturalism Stakes on Saturday provides the winner with a ballot exemption into next month’s Caulfield Cup, drawing together drawn a field of 16 and four emergencies for the 2000m race.
Price has Mighty Boss and Hiyaam safely in the field while Miss Admiration is the fourth emergency while also an acceptor in the JRA Trophy (2400m) at Rosehill.
Mighty Boss (equal 21st) and Hiyaam (27th) are close to a Caulfield Cup start while Miss Admiration is down in 67th spot.
A clearer picture where the Price trio sit will be available after first declarations are taken on September 25.
Price said Mighty Boss, last year’s Caulfield Guineas winner, hasn’t been suited in two runs over shorter trips and only beat home his stablemate in the Dato Tan Chin Nam Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 8.
“It looked a pretty plain run but (Noel) Callow got off Mighty Boss and said it was better than it looked,” Price said.
“We think he’s a real staying type now and is so relaxed in his work.
“Michael Walker’s going to ride him and I think he’s going to show up over the 2000 (metres) and with him in the Caulfield Cup I’m a little bit hopeful.”
Having worn blinkers in all his 11 starts, Price has elected to remove the headgear on Saturday.
Hiyaam didn’t enthral Price with her performance when finishing behind Mighty Boss at Moonee Valley but like Mighty Boss he’s expecting Saturday’s distance to suit.
“She’s a 2000-metre to 2400-metre horse, but very delicate,” Price said.
“She’s in good order and working well but now we’re at the pointy end of getting runs.
“They’re down the order a little in the Caulfield Cup order so we’re doing our best to get them in.”