The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable will have Robrick, Moby Dick and Kristilli representing the stable in the inaugural running of The Meteorite.
Michael Kent Jnr has been busy fulfilling his training role with Mick Price while also acting as an ambassador for the Southside Racing Carnival.
The Southside Racing Carnival kicks off on Saturday at Cranbourne while the second day of the Carnival will be at Pakenham on December 21.
A new $1 million slot race – The Meteorite – over 1200m runs in conjunction with the Listed Cranbourne Cup (1600m) on Saturday.
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr and Michael Kent Jnr hold a strong hand in the 14-horse The Meteorite with three runners – all draw nicely according to Kent Jnr in barriers five six and seven.
Kristilli drew best in five with Robrick out in barrier seven while Moby Dick has the gate between that pair.
“They are beautiful draws for all three,” Kent Jnr said.
“It really gives them every possible chance. There’s good speed drawn out wide, especially for Moby Dick and Robrick as they will appreciate the pace being on.”
A first-up winner at Flemington in September, defeating two of Saturday’s main rivals Baraqiel and Nadal, Moby Dick enters The Meteorite coming off luckless efforts.
“He got held up badly at Geelong and nothing went right at Flemington last start when beaten less than three lengths,” Kent Jnr said.
“It was a bit of a bit of a train wreck, but he’s always had a bit of x-factor.
“He’s got a very good turn of foot, and we think the race will suit him because there’ll be pace on, and back around the bend and when the pace is on, he just drops the bridle that little bit better, which means he means he has a better finish.”
A former member of the Annabel Neasham yard, Kristilli is having her first outing for Price and Kent Jnr and has been described by Kent Jnr as a gorgeous mare.
“She’s going to have the most improvement of any runner in the field,” Kent Jnr said.
“She’s first-up in what will be a high-pressure race. She’s had two trials. They’ve been okay without being sensational.
“We’ve taken the view that we’re going into the race to present a happy sound mare and if she brings her absolute best form, then she can run well.”
Robrick enters Saturday’s race having had two runs under the belt.
The concern Kent Jnr holds is Robrick may now be looking for further.
“First-up he was very good from well back at Geelong then he just got beaten by Rey Magnerio at Flemington,” Kent Jnr said.
“He’s now third up, but the only trick with him is trying to keep him fresh for 1200 (metres) third-up.
“He’s possibly looking for a touch further, so we’ve done nothing with him, but a high pressure 1200 will suit that horse and he’s been very consistent all preparation.
“I expect him to hit the line strongly and hopefully he’s sharp enough.”
