Mick Price’s bid for a third Blue Diamond Stakes looks brighter post-barrier draw for the elite Victorian two-year-old spectacle.
Past victor in the Group 1 juvenile showpiece courtesy of Extreme Choice (2016) and Samaready (2012), Price commits two colts to Caulfield’s 1200m Group 1 on Saturday.
Partnered currently with Michael Kent Jnr, the Cranbourne duo prepares Guest House and Big Sky for barriers three and five in the 16-runner field featuring four standbys.
Without emergencies entering, Guest House draws gate two, Big Sky barrier three adjacent.
They top the reshuffled wagering post-draw: Big Sky $4 elect, Guest House to $5 from $5.50, followed by first-up winner Closer To Free ($6.50) and Magic Millions 2YO Classic graduate Unit Five ($7).
Price shows preference for Guest House, as Big Sky holds a 2/2 record.
“In all my time of watching races, if something duff’s the start, locks onto the bridle, pulls double, sits there deep, exposed, they run second last, not second,” Price said.
“I couldn’t believe he ran second (in the Prelude) and I thought that was indicative of his capacity at his second start and I thought it was a huge effort.
“I think if he bounces good, gets his sectionals right and is allowed to get his best sectional in his last 300 (metres), then he’s going to be hard to beat.
“I think it’s a good gate for Big Sky. I think he is a more polite horse.
“Jordan Childs rides him for the first time, and he has a good set of hands.
“I like the way he rides, and I think he will get him pretty right.”
Price explained Guest House’s raw power overwhelms him, leaving little prep time to mellow the colt pre-Blue Diamond after two outings.
Ideally, equestrian help would suit, but Price trusts race tactics will position him strongly.
This year’s challengers tested the stable more than before, per Price.
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“Samaready, Extreme Choice, even Flying Artie, they were no trouble,” Price said.
“These two are a bit more challenging. Timing wise, it’s perfect, they’ve got to turn up on race day.”
The post Price and Kent Jnr hold strong hand in Blue Diamond Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
