Space Rider has firmed as a genuine Australian Guineas contender after producing a strong victory in the Manfred Stakes at Caulfield.
Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, the colt overcame a wide draw to win the Group 3 event over 1200 metres and remain unbeaten when resuming.
“He is still a bit of a bull and he knows he’s good,” stable racing manager Tom Sheahan said.
Starting at $15, Space Rider defeated stablemate Job Done by half a length, with favourite Salty Pearl finishing a further half-length away.
“Mick said not to get too far out of your ground because I wasn’t to see him through the line,” jockey Ethan Brown said.
“He bounced well and put himself there but he is a big colt who needs stimulation, so I was happy to let him roll along.
“Once the pressure came, he really wanted to fight and win.”
The victory saw Space Rider firm significantly in betting for the Group 1 Australian Guineas, now quoted at $15.
Sheahan confirmed the C.S. Hayes Stakes is likely to be his next assignment on the way to Flemington.
Price previously captured both the C.S. Hayes Stakes and Australian Guineas with Grunt in 2016.
Those assessing the Guineas picture can review current online bookmakers as markets continue to move.
The post Bullish Space Rider on path to Australian Guineas first appeared on Just Horse Racing.