Hareeba Stakes 2025 assault for Hedged

Renowned for their precision in horse placement, trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr ensure that every horse, especially younger prospects, earn their way through the grades.

Hedged, already a four-time winner, gets another shot at a Stakes breakthrough in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington on Saturday.

The gelding is no stranger to the black-type scene, having finished second in the Group 2 Arrowfield Stakes (1200m) last year and third in Group 3 company when resuming in November.

He resumed this campaign with a midfield fifth in a Benchmark 96 at Moonee Valley last month, where racing on speed was a clear advantage.

Price said Hedged will be better suited at Mornington, particularly if allowed to race forward — a style that has yielded success in the past.

“He got back in the Arrowfield two years ago and ran second and then he went to Ipswich and lead and won,” Price said.

“So, if he’s ridden properly around Mornington, he could be well-suited.

“I’m happy with the way he’s going. He needs his toe in the ground and that’s when he’s at his best.

“If he gets on a track that is too firm, like a lot of horses, he doesn’t run up to his best.”

Hedged will try to deliver a third Hareeba Stakes victory to Price, who previously won the race with La Famelia and Bassett.

The gelding has drawn ideally in barrier five and will be partnered by jockey Ben Melham for the feature sprint on Mornington Cup Day.