Trainer Mick Price recalled his pre-training background by undertaking parade responsibilities for The Speed Machine at Mornington.

The gelding, a two-year-old from the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable, became spirited while being saddled, so Price stepped in for strapping before Saturday’s Mornington Sires (1000m).

The decision bore fruit when The Speed Machine ($3) took the lead right away with Thomas Stockdale riding to a narrow half-neck win over Luna Vega ($2.50 fav), Zynaro ($11) third a further 2-½ lengths behind.

The Speed Machine is equipped with red earmuffs for the parade and has them taken off at the barriers, as per Price.

Price judged the gelding drowsy and removed the gear after saddling.

“His father (Hanseatic) used to have a bit of feist about him,” Price said.

“His father used to always have two strappers on him, and I did take the red earmuffs off him while we were saddling him up, because I thought he was half asleep.

“But I found out the wrong way. He was not asleep and I had to do my own work.”

Undefeated in two races, The Speed Machine debuted successfully over 1000m against three rivals at Morphettville Parks last month.

According to Price, he transcends pure 1000m sprinting and should cope with 1200m distances ahead.

He bears the colours of Kempinsky, who secured The Vase at Moonee Valley and came second in the Group 1 Victoria Derby at Flemington in 2003.

“We’ve had horses together for 30 years, but we haven’t had a lot of starters over that time,” Price said.

“He buys them, I move them on, but this one, he’s a keeper.

“He a fast horse, and he’s a strong horse, and he’s very sound, an easy horse to train.”

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