“She began a little bit sticky but I still wanted to be handier than what she had been in her runs. Unfortunately it didn’t work out for me and I thought it could turn out to be a very poor ride.
“I just waited until we got to the top of the hill and the tempo really came out of it. Going downhill I just let her stride.“
Price and his young co-trainer will be hoping for a Derby and Oaks double over the Cup week carnival as their impressive winner of the Ned’s Classic, Gunstock, is now favourite for the 2500-metre staying test after proving too good for the filly El Patroness, with Teewaters staying on for third place.
Prebble, the star jockey of the spring, had not been seen to best advantage on the Danny O’Brien trained-Kapalua Sunset earlier but he almost made amends on her stablemate, El Patroness in this race.
He made much more use of her stamina, kicked clear and defied the colts and geldings to run her down: none save for the favourite Gunstock, a son of Tavistock ridden by Jye McNeil, could.
“He wants further and a big track. Blinkers on today and he didn’t overdo it which is good,” said Kent junior.
“I’ve always liked this horse. A beautiful colt and hopefully we can get him to the Derby. He’s got a huge stride and Flemington will be his go.“
Pushing Daisies: Lane delivers for Price after ignoring ‘stupidly slow’ pace
Source: Philippines Alive
