The stakes have risen for co-trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr in their new Cranbourne training base with the return of springtime stable stars pointing towards summer and autumn features.
Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and Golden Eagle (1500m) winner I’m Thunderstruck is one of the big names to return to work.
“He walks back into our barn today,” Kent Jnr told RSN.
“He’s done super.
“That was only his second racing prep, really, and he deserved a long break so he got a six week spell.
“He’s done remarkably well and I think the world is his oyster.”
I’m Thunderstruck is the $4 favourite with TAB in the pre-nominations market for the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on 12 February however the stable is yet to decide whether the star four-year-old gelding by 2009 Melbourne Cup winner Shocking will reappear on race day in that race or the Group 1 Futurity Stakes over 1400 metres.
Later on the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) on 19 March at Flemington carries a significant carrot.
“He’ll have a go at the All-Star Mile second or third-up,” Kent added.
The well-performed Extreme Warrior and Profiteer have also returned.
“Jamie Kah galloped Profiteer this morning and we’re delighted with the way his manners have really gone the right way,” Kent said.
“He’s worked up very strongly and didn’t have much of a blow.
“We’ll have him ready for the Lightning first-up which will be no easy task.
“With Eduardo and Nature Strip there, it’s going to be one hell of a race.”
Profiteer is at $26 for the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) on 19 February with Nature Strip the $2.50 favourite and Eduardo the $4.50 second favourite.
Kent is also pleased with three-year-old colt Extreme Warrior.
“Extreme Warrior, he’s a real bull,” Kent said.
“He’s a good looking colt and all going well he’ll go the Oakleigh Plate first-up.”
Extreme Warrior, with two wins and two placings in six starts, is rated an $11 chance for the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on 26 February.