Sabaj is preparing for a distinctly different race when he competes for the second time during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained galloper achieved a win earlier this week, taking out a Listed race over 1800 metres at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

Sabaj will race again at Flemington on Saturday in the Champions Stakes (2000m), where he will confront the major contenders from the Cox Plate, which took place at Flemington a fortnight ago.

This marks the gelding’s second attempt at the 2000-metre distance, having previously secured fourth place behind Light Infantry Man in the Australian Cup earlier this year.

Price indicated that the extended trip should be suitable for Sabaj, although he highlighted that it’s a different class of race compared to his Tuesday victory.

“He should run well, but I would be surprised if he was to stand up and win,” Price stated.

“But I think sometimes you back them up through this Carnival, and they seem to run well.”

“It’s not like he’s second-up or anything. He’s conditioned up, he had a good 1800-metre hit-out the other day.”

“He went to the beach on Wednesday, was on the treadmill on Thursday, had a trot and canter on Friday, and then race day on Saturday and his best run was in the Australian Cup over 2000 metres.”

Sabaj was successful on the same program last year, winning a 1600m benchmark 84 on a rain-affected track before going on to win the Cranbourne Cup.

Similar weather conditions are forecast for Saturday, with cold and wet weather expected, though Price would prefer less rain.

“I don’t want to make it too much of a grind for him,” Price commented.

“He’s had two 1400-metre runs, a mile, an 1800 and now he’s on the back-up.”

“I think his best distance is round that 2000-metre point, so it’s just a matter of whether he’s ready for it.”

For those interested in the Champions Stakes, exploring online bookmakers could provide access to the latest betting markets.