Mick Price is well aware of the opposition Charm Stone confronts heading to Caulfield for her seasonal debut.
The Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) features Jimmysstar and Angel Capital, causing mild concern for co-trainer Price, who nonetheless praises her impeccable first-up groundwork for Saturday.
A dual Group 1 victor, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-prepared mare will forge her path clear in the contest.
Up on pace and safe from bother, she’ll contrast with Jimmysstar and Angel Capital likely held up behind the leaders, as per Price’s assessment.
Fresh off breaks, Charm Stone triumphed in the Sangster Stakes after three months and Manikato Stakes post four months.
Five months this time, with Price and Kent Jnr handling proceedings from the outset as she skipped pre-training and entered their care directly.
Caulfield gallop between races advanced her fitness, alongside two jump-outs capped by Cranbourne on March 9.
“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.”
Ben Melham and Damian Lane head to Sydney, Mark Zahra sticks with Jimmysstar, leaving Thomas Stockdale to pilot Charm Stone Saturday following their Tuesday Caulfield workout.
The track bore Monday’s rain effects, but forecast fine weather promises prime conditions ahead.
“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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