Reserve Bank out to steal Valley cash in the William Reid Stakes
As his sire once celebrated Golden Slipper success, Reserve Bank will be looking to carve out his own Group 1 triumph and solidify his future at stud.
Capitalist captured the 2016 Golden Slipper, and now his son, Reserve Bank, will make his Group 1 debut in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley this Saturday.
Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Reserve Bank enters the race as the least experienced runner, with just five career starts yielding two wins.
His victories came in lower-grade events—a maiden and a benchmark 64—but his most notable performance was a runner-up finish to stablemate First Settler in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
Price regards First Settler as a future Group 1 winner and believes Reserve Bank has earned his opportunity to compete in this high-level contest.
Returning for his second start of the campaign, Reserve Bank last ran in the Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on March 1, finishing sixth.
“He was a bit too fresh and excitable first-up, took a while to saddle up, and raced a little too keenly,” Price said.
“He’s settled down now, and his work at The Valley on Tuesday was encouraging, so we’re taking our shot at a Group 1.
“He still needs to prove himself at this level, but he’s a quality colt, and he seemed to handle Moonee Valley well.”
Price believes Reserve Bank’s effort in the Danehill Stakes suggests he has the ability to be competitive here.
“He’s still developing, but as a colt, there’s a lot on the line.”
As a younger horse, Reserve Bank took time to mature physically, particularly in his knees, which delayed his racing debut. Now fully developed, he’s starting to show his potential.
After Saturday’s race, he is set to travel to Sydney for the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on April 12.
Beyond that, his campaign remains flexible, with possible options in Brisbane or a return to Victoria, with Adelaide also on the radar.
“He’s in great condition and a strong colt,” Price said.
“For now, Sydney is the next step, but we’ll reassess after this run. If he keeps improving, he could end up in Brisbane, or we might look at Adelaide.
“We’re confident he’ll put in a solid performance this weekend.”
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