Golden Path has returned to Melbourne under trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, ready to launch his spring preparation after spending much of the past year in Sydney. His first assignment will be the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday, with the ultimate aim being a start in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18.
Before any big-race plans are locked in, Golden Path will need to prove his form warrants a tilt at such lofty targets. Kent Jnr noted the gelding enjoyed a change of scenery when moved to Sydney last year, kicking off his campaign in Melbourne before thriving in the Harbour City.
He raced through the winter, including a heavy track victory at Rosehill, before a light spring schedule and just three runs in the autumn. “He thrived up in Sydney and he really thrived when he got up to 2000 metres,” Kent Jnr said.
“The programming said we had to kick him off in some Group 1’s last preparation, but he was three or four lengths off the pace every time.
“We could have taken him to the PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m, on Saturday) as a kick-off, but we didn’t think he would be a genuine competitive chance, so we’ve opted to get him a bit fitter, and go to the mile with the claim.
“With 59 kilos, he’s quite forward, and I think he can run a bit of a race.”
The wide draw of barrier 13 is a concern, with Kent Jnr admitting a lower gate would have boosted his confidence. “The barrier disheartens us a little bit,” he said. “We’ll ride him to try and hit the line. I don’t think he’s a horse you want to be cooking him first-up from the wide gate with the weight and then upset the campaign.”
Golden Path is expected to head to the Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) second-up before connections reassess his spring path. At six years old and with five wins from 17 starts, Kent Jnr feels this could be the right time to step him up in trip.
“He’s never been to 2400 (metres), but I don’t see why we shouldn’t give it a go,” he said. “If he gets it, he’s got the class to be competitive, maybe even The Metropolitan (at Randwick) could suit, and we know he doesn’t mind a drop of rain and loves getting his toe in.”
Punters keen to back Golden Path in the Caulfield Cup or other spring features can find the best odds and bonuses at leading betting sites.