The daunting prospect for Charm Stone in her Caulfield fresh start is not lost on Mick Price.
While Jimmysstar and Angel Capital’s entries in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) give the co-trainer pause, he emphasises her textbook preparation for Saturday’s renewal.
This Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr charge, a two-time Group 1 winner, holds the key to her own fortunes this weekend.
Price noted she’ll push forward clear of strife, differing from Jimmysstar and Angel Capital set to track midfield.
Her Group 1 scalps arrived first-up: Sangster Stakes after three months, Manikato Stakes with four months prior.
A five-month spell now, fully under Price and Kent Jnr’s watch from arrival, no pre-trainer involved.
Fitness boosted by Caulfield trackwork between races and twin jump-outs, latest March 9 at Cranbourne.
“She took a bit out of that gallop and what we have done, she has needed,” Price said.
“She did not do any pre-training. She came straight to us. She had a bit of ‘pudding’ on her, and she’s needed some gallops, but she hasn’t put a foot wrong.
“She’s had a brilliant prep, she goes good fresh and she’s reasonably fit and if the race sets up well for her, she should be around the money as she will take a forward position and take luck out of the equation.
“In the Manikato, she was up there. She’s been springing the gates really well and I would expect her to again bounce and put herself there.
“She’s had a good prep. She’s a very happy mare.”
Sydney calls for Ben Melham and Damian Lane, Mark Zahra rides Jimmysstar, so Thomas Stockdale gets the call on Charm Stone post Tuesday’s Caulfield gallop pairing.
Monday showers hit the track unevenly, yet fine weather ahead should yield ideal surface, Price believes.
“Tommy Stockdale won a Group 3 on Gumdrops for Sheamus Mills and the owners and has a bit of a connection there,” Price said.
“He’s a loyal worker, a nice jockey that helps us a lot and has ridden a lot for Sheamus.
“I’m happy to have him on and hopefully he wins his first Group 1.”
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