High aspirations abound in the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr camp for Phillip Island, primed for his first race in a generous purse at Caulfield.

Port Phillip debuts in the $1m The Showdown (1200m), holding a slot in the upcoming Golden Slipper at Rosehill but with slim chances of starting.

The trainer noted substantial confidence in Phillip Island after their two-year-olds kicked off the season strongly.

Price and Kent Jnr’s top juveniles this campaign feature Big Sky, Guest House and Brazen Dechambeau, and Kent Jnr views Port Phillip as comparably talented.

“Every year we have around 80 two-year-olds that go through the system and as trainers you can rank them in a pecking order,” Kent Jnr said.

“When your so-called top three don’t fire in certain years, you are concerned about the rest, but when your so-called top three start winning races and showing they’re amongst the best in the country, that gives you confidence about the horses just below that top tier.

This colt is in that category we think and I’m looking forward to him stepping out.”

One trial this prep brings Phillip Island to Saturday, victorious at Caulfield Heath aboard Craig Williams last month.

Melham steps in for Williams, who rides interstate, on Saturday.

“We’re going in off one trial, but he trialled really well, and he arguably trialled just as well, or if not better, than Buggsy that won (at Sandown) on Wednesday,” Kent Jnr said.

“Craig Williams really liked him and we’re under no illusions that it’s a hard test.

He is a highly strung horse and we’re asking a lot of him to get it right, but there are only three winners in the race and a number of debutants, like us.

The test may be running out a strong 1200 (metres) off one trial, but the upside of the prize money, in a restricted race, was a huge carrot to have a go at and it would be no surprise to see him run really well.

He’s a nice colt.”

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