Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr are meticulous in how they place their horses, especially when it comes to their younger talent, ensuring each runner proves its merit before being progressed through the ranks.

One such runner, Hedged, a four-time winner, will be chasing a breakthrough Stakes victory in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington this Saturday.

Hedged has already earned black-type placings, notably finishing runner-up in the Group 2 Arrowfield Stakes (1200m) at Randwick a year ago, and placing third in a Group 3 event first-up at Kembla Grange in November last spring.

Price believes the gelding is primed to run well at Mornington following a fifth-place finish in a Benchmark 96 event over 1200m at Moonee Valley on March 22 — a race that favoured leaders, unlike Hedged who settled midfield.

While Hedged has proven effective from various positions in running, Price is leaning toward a forward ride this weekend.

“He got back in the Arrowfield two years ago and ran second and then he went to Ipswich and lead and won,” Price said.

“So, if he’s ridden properly around Mornington, he could be well-suited.

“I’m happy with the way he’s going. He needs his toe in the ground and that’s when he’s at his best.

“If he gets on a track that is too firm, like a lot of horses, he doesn’t run up to his best.”

Price will be aiming for his third Hareeba Stakes title, having previously won with La Famelia in 2008 and Bassett in 2017.

Hedged has drawn gate five in a field of 11, with top jockey Ben Melham booked to ride.