Price, Kent Pivot with in-form gelding

Trainer Michael Kent Jnr believes Pivot City can eventually climb back into Stakes company, but for now, he and co-trainer Mick Price are taking a cautious route with the talented gelding.

The rejuvenated four-year-old lines up in Saturday’s $130,000 Smartloans Bendigo BM84 Handicap (1300m), chasing a second victory from three starts this preparation.

After a strong return win at Flemington and a solid second at Moonee Valley, the stable is focused on rebuilding the horse’s form gradually.

“He’s a gelding now, he’s consistent and he’s got a good turn of foot, I think he should run really well,” Kent said.

“He was third in a Group 2 Tobin Broze behind Skybird as a three-year-old and I do think he’s a horse that will go through the grades.

“I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t get to open class, Stakes level in time.”

Pivot City returns to Bendigo, the track where he debuted with a dominant five-length victory that once earned him talk of being a Coolmore Stud Stakes contender.

But things didn’t go to plan after the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes, and connections opted to geld the son of Not A Single Doubt to refocus his campaign.

Drawing barrier one for Saturday, Pivot City is expected to be closer in running after settling further back in his two recent efforts.

“It’s a big track which should suit his running style, but he doesn’t have to get too far back. He can land close to the speed,” Kent said.

Beau Mertens takes the reins again, with Pivot City heading betting markets at $3.50 for the feature event of Golden Mile Raceday.