On the anniversary of his sire’s Golden Slipper triumph, Reserve Bank will attempt to secure his own Group 1 success and enhance his stallion credentials.
Capitalist claimed the 2016 Golden Slipper, while his son, Reserve Bank, will step up to Group 1 company for the first time in Saturday’s William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Reserve Bank is the most inexperienced contender in the race, boasting five starts for two wins.
Although both victories came in lower-grade races—a maiden and a benchmark 64—Price was particularly impressed with his second-place finish to stablemate First Settler in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Price holds First Settler in high regard, seeing him as a Group 1 winner in waiting, and believes Reserve Bank deserves a chance in what he describes as a competitive race.
After finishing sixth in the Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on March 1, Reserve Bank will be second-up on Saturday.
“He was too fresh first-up, got a bit worked up before the race, and took time to settle in the yard,” Price said.
“He’s come on since then, and his gallop at The Valley on Tuesday was solid, so we’re giving him his shot at a Group 1.
“He still has to go out and prove it, but he’s a nice horse, and he handled Moonee Valley well.”
Price believes that if Reserve Bank can reproduce his Danehill Stakes effort, he is a genuine contender in this race.
“He’s still maturing, but there’s a lot to play for as a colt.”
Price explained that Reserve Bank had taken time to develop physically, particularly in his knees, which delayed his racing debut. However, he has since filled out into a strong horse.
Following Saturday’s run, Reserve Bank is scheduled to head to Sydney for the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on April 12.
Beyond that, his team will consider either a campaign in Brisbane or a return to Victoria with the possibility of targeting Adelaide’s carnival.
“He’s a powerful, sound colt,” Price said.
“For now, Sydney is the next step, but we’ll keep Adelaide in mind. If he keeps progressing, Brisbane could also be an option.
“We expect him to run well this weekend.”
