Michael Kent Jnr knows the scale of the challenge ahead in trying to beat Giga Kick in the upcoming The Goodwood on Saturday, but he’s confident his two runners are worthy contenders.
Alongside training partner Mick Price, Kent Jnr will saddle up a strong duo, led by Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes winner Charm Stone, a result that held great significance for their stable.
“It was a really satisfying win,” Kent Jnr said.
“There’s a lot of pressure on mares like that. A, it costs a lot of money, but B, she’s shown Group One talent all the way through.
“She was a one-time Blue Diamond favourite, one-time Coolmore favourite, and she’s had a few hurdles to climb, but I’m really proud of the team.”
In recent years, the Sangster has served as a strong lead-in for The Goodwood, with fillies and mares taking out the last two editions. Kent Jnr feels Charm Stone can continue that trend, despite having to shoulder 56.5kg under the set weights and penalties format.
“If you look at her overall record, she’s got a better second-up record than her first-up record.
“We had her very forward for that run, but I see no reason why she shouldn’t go well again, she didn’t have a gut-busting run, she was allowed to settle and finish off, so she should only tighten up some more.
“We’re thrilled with her since the run, so fingers crossed she can go and run well again.”
To offset the advantage of Giga Kick, who holds a 116 rating and will carry just 54.5kg, the odds-on favourite has drawn wide in barrier 12 of 13. Charm Stone, second favourite at $7.50, drew more favourably in six, while stablemate Reserve Bank ($10) will jump from gate nine.
Reserve Bank, a son of Capitalist, arrives off the back of consecutive wins at Morphettville, most recently dominating the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m) on April 26, a win that impressed his trainer.
“He had his main piece of work last Tuesday and a light piece of work on Saturday,” Kent Jnr said.
“He’s in really good form, very fresh and well.
“As a colt, he’s definitely matured with the trips away, he’s got a very good record overall.
“He’s got to go to a new level to beat Giga Kick, but he’s on an upward trend, so we don’t know where he’s ceiling is yet.”
The Melham duo, Ben and Jamie, will take the reins on Charm Stone and Reserve Bank respectively, with Ben stepping in for Mark Zahra, who was already locked in to ride Giga Kick.