Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr will launch a three-pronged assault on Saturday’s Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield, with each runner arriving at a different stage of its preparation.
Space Rider made an instant impression when winning on debut as a two-year-old at Eagle Farm in December 2024 before adding another victory at Moonee Valley later in the year.
His spring campaign ended with an 11th-place finish in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), after which jockey Beau Mertens suggested the son of Zoustar would be better suited over shorter trips.
Returning first-up over 1200 metres, Space Rider is rated a $7.50 chance in the Manfred, with Ethan Brown taking the reins. The main query is barrier 10, despite the long run to the home turn.
“Space Rider is two-for-two first-up but the gate makes it tricky,” Kent Jnr told RSN.
“I think we’ll ride him to finish off because you’d hate to see him posted wide with no cover and fold with the idea of going to the Australian Guineas third-up.”
Space Rider is currently a $26 chance for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington later this month.
Kent Jnr also hopes to secure black-type success with Job Done, who lines up for his fourth run this preparation before a planned spell.
The gelding defeated stablemate Naifah two starts ago at Caulfield Heath, with Naifah subsequently scratched from the Listed Durbridge Stakes in favour of this assignment.
“Naifah is a big, robust filly who is doing a wonderful job and is sixth-up,” he said.
“She was well out of her grade last time against the older mares and should have run second.
“We’re very happy with how she is training and she’ll flow forward.”
The stable also saddles $2.30 favourite Taken in the opening Caulfield event, opting to stay in Melbourne rather than travel interstate.
“He was favourite in Sydney as well but Caulfield looks a lovely race and there is always tiny risk of things going wrong with a trip interstate.
“He was well below par last time but we have given him a fresh-up and he trialled well last week at Sandown and came up on the outside of Tom Kitten.
“I think he is very well placed.”
Those looking to have a wager on the Manfred Stakes can compare markets through leading Australian betting sites.
The post Rider to give them Space in Manfred Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.