Michael Kent Jnr is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead in facing a horse of Giga Kick’s calibre in the The Goodwood this Saturday, but he believes his stable has two worthy contenders for the task.
Training in partnership with Mick Price, Kent Jnr will send out dual last-start winners, led by Charm Stone, who secured an emotional victory for the team in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes.
“It was a really satisfying win,” Kent Jnr said.
“There’s a lot of pressure on mares like that. A, it costs a lot of money, but B, she’s shown Group One talent all the way through.
“She was a one-time Blue Diamond favourite, one-time Coolmore favourite, and she’s had a few hurdles to climb, but I’m really proud of the team.”
Charm Stone now aims to follow the recent trend of Sangster winners progressing successfully to The Goodwood. She will carry 56.5kg under the set weights and penalties structure but boasts strong second-up form.
“If you look at her overall record, she’s got a better second-up record than her first-up record.
“We had her very forward for that run, but I see no reason why she shouldn’t go well again, she didn’t have a gut-busting run, she was allowed to settle and finish off, so she should only tighten up some more.
“We’re thrilled with her since the run, so fingers crossed she can go and run well again.”
Giga Kick, the $2.10 market leader, has drawn barrier 12, while Charm Stone ($7.50) will start from six and stablemate Reserve Bank ($10) has barrier nine.
Reserve Bank, a Capitalist colt, heads to the race after an authoritative victory in the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.
“He had his main piece of work last Tuesday and a light piece of work on Saturday,” Kent Jnr said.
“He’s in really good form, very fresh and well.
“As a colt, he’s definitely matured with the trips away, he’s got a very good record overall.
“He’s got to go to a new level to beat Giga Kick, but he’s on an upward trend, so we don’t know where he’s ceiling is yet.”
Ben Melham takes the ride on Charm Stone, with Jamie Melham booked for Reserve Bank, as Mark Zahra has committed to ride Giga Kick.
