Charm Stone’s connections are hopeful the mare can break a lengthy drought as she targets a Group 1 comeback this weekend at Morphettville.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare resumes in Saturday’s Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m), her first start since running second on the Gold Coast in January.
Now approaching five years old, Charm Stone has been put through two jump-outs in readiness for her first South Australian assignment and appears in solid shape for her return.
She hasn’t visited the winner’s stall since taking out the Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley last September, which followed a victory at Caulfield three weeks prior.
Charm Stone lined up in the 2023 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill, finishing a close fifth before undergoing knee surgery that sidelined her for over a year.
She returned in the spring, posting a third at Flemington behind Maharba and Rey Magnerio over 1200m, before finishing midfield in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Trainer Mick Price is optimistic the mare is now ready to perform at the highest level again after her extended rehabilitation.
“She’s going super,” Price said.
“It’s been a bit of a goal for Shamus (Mills) to run in the Group 1 and I’m expecting she’ll go well.
“She had a knee chip taken out a while after the Golden Rose and had quite a bit of time away from racing, but she’s going good now.”
Mark Zahra takes the ride on Charm Stone as he aims to secure his first win in the prestigious Robert Sangster, having placed fifth aboard Estriella in last year’s edition.
Meanwhile, Price and Kent Jnr will also be represented in Adelaide by Reserve Bank, who lines up in the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m).
Reserve Bank returned to the winner’s circle last start with a strong showing in the Listed Redelva Stakes (1100m) after finishing sixth in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
“He’s going to go back over,” Price confirmed.
“Some of these colts need to get into the groove of racing. First-up he was fresh, second-up he was in the Group 1 and third up he was in the groove.”
