Trainer Mick Price believes that Samaready is in great order ahead of the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday.
Samaready is a clear favourite in 2013 Manikato Stakes betting markets. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Samaready returned to the races after almost a year on the sidelines with a strong victory in the Group 3 Theshark.com.au Stakes (1100m) and stamped herself as one of Australia’s leading sprinters with a dominant four lengths victory in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on September 27.
Price told RSN that Samaready had taken a while to recover from her run in the Moir Stakes but has returned to her peak condition and is ready to fire when she starts as favourite in the Manikato Stakes on Friday.
“She is in good order, she galloped super last Thursday at Moonee Valley, and I can’t fault her,” Price said.
“She had a long time off and we were pretty gentle with her into the 1100 (Theshark.com.au Stakes) and she pulled up a little bit sooky from that race.
“She was right for Moonee Valley but she felt it and always needs two to four days before she turns around a bit.
“She is a mare and they don’t need to be given too much work and stress.
“The time between runs has been really good for her; she has really muscled up and is bloomy in the coat.
“Her main gallop was last Thursday and Froggy (Craig Newitt) got off and just said she is flying.”
Price believes that the Manikato Stakes field is stronger than the one Samaready faced in the Moir Stakes; with champion Hong Kong sprinter Lucky Nine, Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress and Gary Portelli-trained Rebel Dane joining Buffering, Moment Of Change and Bel Sprinter who will be backing up from the Moir Stakes.
The leading trainer said that he has a very high opinion of Lucky Nine but is confident that the daughter of More Than Ready can record her third victory at Group 1 level when she starts from barrier seven this weekend.
“I thought that it was a bit tougher and I know that Caspar’s horse is a really good horse in Hong Kong,” Price said.
“I know he is saying that there is improvement to come for the horse in the Patinack and that is fine but I still have a lot of respect for him bringing that horse all the way over here.
“The gate is a good gate for us, it keeps her out of traffic, and is similar to where she was the other night.
“I think by that time of night to be off the fence will be an advantage.”
Price is chasing his first win in the Manikato Stakes after finishing second with True Persuasion (2010) and Perfectly Ready (2005).
