Following the barrier allocation, trainer Mick Price stands better placed to chase a third Blue Diamond Stakes in the state’s flagship two-year-old race.
Price, who claimed the Group 1 two-year-old prize with Extreme Choice in 2016 plus Samaready in 2012, has two colts bound for Saturday’s Caulfield Group 1 over 1200m.
Now aligned with Michael Kent Jnr, the Cranbourne trainers ready Guest House and Big Sky from stalls three and five in a 16-strong contest with four reserves.
Should reserves stay out, it’s gate two for Guest House and three for Big Sky alongside.
Revised odds post-draw position the pair prominently: $4 for Big Sky, Guest House firm at $5 (was $5.50), then Closer To Free at $6.50 and Unit Five, winner of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, at $7.
Price tilts toward Guest House, while Big Sky boasts two flawless wins.
“In all my time of watching races, if something duff’s the start, locks onto the bridle, pulls double, sits there deep, exposed, they run second last, not second,” Price said.
“I couldn’t believe he ran second (in the Prelude) and I thought that was indicative of his second start and I thought it was a huge effort.
“I think if he bounces good, gets his sectionals right and is allowed to get his best sectional in his last 300 (metres), then he’s going to be hard to beat.
“I think it’s a good gate for Big Sky. I think he is a more polite horse.
“Jordan Childs rides him for the first time, and he has a good set of hands.
“I like the way he rides, and I think he will get him pretty right.”
Guest House remains unaware of his potent stride, Price observed, with insufficient downtime post-two runs to temper him for Blue Diamond glory.
He’d favour equestrian polishing ideally, but anticipates race sharpness will make the colt formidable.
Price conceded readying this pair exceeded the ease of prior champions.
Visit the betting markets for the race to back Price’s Blue Diamond hopes.
“Samaready, Extreme Choice, even Flying Artie, they were no trouble,” Price said.
“These two are a bit more challenging. Timing wise, it’s perfect, they’ve got to turn up on race day.”
The post Price and Kent Jnr hold strong hand in Blue Diamond Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
