Trainer Mick Price recognizes the tough assignment of getting the better of Observer in the Australian Guineas following their recent showdown.
However, Price is far from abandoning his bid for a fourth success in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) which heads to Flemington this Saturday.
“He’s a nice, uncomplicated gelding and he’ll show up, but everything will have to go right for us to turn it around on Observer,” Price said.
“My opinion is no I can’t (beat Observer) but that is not how we’re training him. My opinion is Observer is the clear good horse, and we are there to do our best.”
Price’s prior Australian Guineas conquests feature Light Fantastic (2008), Heart Of Dreams (2009), and Grunt (2018).
He also achieved second place via Tarzino in 2016, behind Palentino.
Handled by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Planet Red has tangled with Observer three times, with Planet Red superior in two instances.
Planet Red’s initial success came against Observer in a Pakenham maiden back in May last year, prior to their rematch in the Caulfield Guineas seeing Planet Red runner-up and Observer an unfortunate third.
Observer later succeeded in the Moonee Valley Vase and Group 1 Victoria Derby, then dominated the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 7, Planet Red rallying late from behind for second.
Planet Red carried 2kg less than Observer then, but equal terms apply for Saturday.
“I’m not sure how we beat Observer,” Price said.
“We rode our horse cold first-up and I thought it was a very good run, a long-sustained run.
“He’s going well and hopefully he can take up a more forward position in the race.
“He’s had a good prep for the race, he’s sound, he’s got good condition on him, and I’ve got enough horse to go to Sydney for something afterwards, but I haven’t worked that out yet.”
Price keeps the door ajar for a quick turnaround into the Group 1 Randwick Guineas a fortnight hence, despite deeming it improbable.
Price harks back to Global Glamour under Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, who managed dual Group 1 victories a week distant across borders.
“Normally seven days after a Group 1 here and then a trip up to Sydney would be too close, but Gai did it one year from the Flight to the Thousand Guineas, so anything is possible,” Price said.
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