Pride Of Jenni’s involvement in the All-Star Mile throws uncertainty into the mix for Sabaj from the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr team.
For Sabaj, the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday is the revised plan after adverse blood findings ruled out the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington seven days prior.
The original itinerary positioned Sabaj for the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington March 28, progressing from Blamey to Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in 13 days, mindful of Pride Of Jenni’s All-Star Mile slot.
“Originally, we wanted to go Blamey, Peter Young, Australian Cup,” Price said.
“We thought that was the best option because if Pride Of Jenni is at her best, she is unbeatable.
“I don’t know if she is, but whenever she is a race, they can be upset races.
“Who is the horse that carts up?
“Those races are so unusual when Pride Of Jenni is blasting away, but because we had a bad blood count, we’ve ended up in the All-Star Mile, and I’m not sure whether we end up in the Australian Cup after that or not.”
According to Price, an inflammation marker surfaced in Sabaj’s blood, a condition under which he refuses to race the gelding.
Now fully recovered with a strong gate, Price predicts the gelding will perform creditably, eschewing the role of pacesetter as competitors target Pride Of Jenni.
“He’ll be around there somewhere at the finish, but everyone needs her to have an off day,” Price said.
“If you have horses behind you and only Pride Of Jenni in front of you, it’s a tough gig, but I don’t think that will be us.
“I’m not sure who it is, and that is why it can be an upset race. You can only ride the race you are in, not Pride Of Jenni’s race.
“If she capitulates, you’re on, if not, no-one beats her.”
Extending Sabaj to 2000m has been on Price’s agenda, with the Australian Cup earmarked appropriately.
This snag raises questions about his eligibility for it, perhaps postponing to Randwick’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes next month.
Consideration might go to the Doncaster Mile (1600m) as a stepping stone.
“He’s a good miler on a big track but plans are up in the air because we had to divert,” Price said.
“I’ve been keen to try him at 2000 metres because I think he’s got that tempo about him and if they do get 2000 metres, it opens up more options.
“He could end up in the Queen Elzabeth, or he could go to Queensland, but we were going to find out a but in the Australian Cup.”
Secure the best racing odds for the All-Star Mile from trusted sports betting platforms.