Thank the Lord.

Co-trainer Mick Price reacted that way initially when asked about his satisfaction over Observer bypassing Planet Red in Saturday’s Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Planet Red contests at Caulfield, while Observer eyes Group 1 success in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) in Sydney.

The entrant from Price and Kent Jnr has been second to Observer in both appearances this campaign: the Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield and Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.

“With all due respect to that very good horse Observer, he was unlucky in the Caulfield Guineas, but we ran second and Planet Red’s two runs this time in have been dictated to by bad barriers,” Price said.

“First-up he was ridden cold and whooshed home very well and then in the Australian Guineas, it was the same thing.

“I couldn’t work out how to ride him and watching the race unfold, I think it was the right thing to do.

“It’s a different race on Saturday, different tempo, different barrier, and I think it will be change of tactics.

“In a 2000-metre race when they sit up there will be no need for him to be too far away.”

Saturday might mark the end of Planet Red’s campaign, as Price seeks to build condition on the gelding’s frame.

Although not convinced of his staying ability, Price sees the 2000m on Saturday as manageable.

“He’s a strong horse, with a good brain, but while he’s a good size, he just doesn’t have the muscle on him that I would like to see,” Price said.

“He’s done the work to run 2000 metres, He’s fit, very sound and it’s a nice race for him, but I don’t think I will persevere too long this preparation because he’s a growing horse on a good frame.

“I don’t know if he’s a true staying horse, but he’s a nice miler, 2000-metre horse and I think he will come back as a nice four-year-old if we look after him.

“Hopefully he can go out on a winning note.”

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