Price and Kent Jnr double up in $1million Inglis Sprint

Since concluding his spring campaign, Reserve Bank has been carefully prepped by trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr for a major three-year-old sprint at Flemington.

That race is set for this Saturday, where Reserve Bank and stablemate Hot Digity Boom will line up in the lucrative $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m).

Kent Jnr explained that Reserve Bank had been given a targeted approach toward this race after wrapping up his spring run on a rain-affected track at Caulfield in October.

“He’s a very talented horse who was narrowly beaten in a Group 2 at Flemington before heading to the paddock, and he has returned stronger,” Kent Jnr said.

“When preparing to win a big race first-up, you need everything to go right, and so far, that has happened.

“His training has been faultless, he’s got a great mindset, and his recent trial was impressive.

“He’s drawn wide, which should work to his advantage given his big-striding action. We believe he’s a serious contender.”

Reserve Bank has had two jump-outs at Cranbourne in preparation for his return.

He finished behind Samangu on February 10 before scoring a win over 800m on February 17.

Kent Jnr stated that if Reserve Bank runs up to expectations, he will be directed toward Stakes competition in hopes of enhancing his stallion credentials.

“He’s still a colt, so naturally, we have to think about his long-term potential,” Kent Jnr said.

“We hold him in high regard, and Saturday will provide a clearer indication of where he stands. If he steps up, we’ll be aiming high.”

Hot Digity Boom, meanwhile, will be chasing a $200,000 bonus awarded to the highest-placed finisher among all-female-owned horses, including a syndicate featuring Price’s daughters.

“There are about five or six contenders eligible for the bonus, and the first one home secures the $200,000, so even finishing in the pack could be lucrative,” Kent Jnr said.

“Things didn’t go right for him first-up. He was stuck inside in an awkward spot, and the race didn’t unfold in his favor.

“He also had a minor foot issue after that run, but he’s recovered well. That said, he’s drawn inside again, which could make things tricky.

“He has a powerful finishing kick, so we expect him to be competitive.”

Their chances improved slightly after trainer Chris Waller decided to scratch race favorite Gratsby following an 800m jump-out where he finished third behind Joliestar and Traffic Warden.

Waller confirmed that Gratsby will instead be aimed at the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8.

“It’s unfortunate because this race was a strong option, but as a colt, we see the Newmarket as a better long-term plan,” Waller said.

“If he can secure a light weight for that race, he’s a genuine chance.”