Price & Kent pair Good to go in Goodwood Handicap

Michael Kent Jnr knows exactly how big the task is to overcome Giga Kick in Saturday’s The Goodwood, but he’s optimistic his two runners have the credentials to make their presence felt.

Together with co-trainer Mick Price, Kent Jnr will be represented by Group 1-winning mare Charm Stone and progressive colt Reserve Bank, both last-start winners heading into the Group 1 sprint at Morphettville.

“It was a really satisfying win,” Kent Jnr said of Charm Stone’s recent triumph.

“There’s a lot of pressure on mares like that. A, it costs a lot of money, but B, she’s shown Group One talent all the way through.

“She was a one-time Blue Diamond favourite, one-time Coolmore favourite, and she’s had a few hurdles to climb, but I’m really proud of the team.”

The Robert Sangster Stakes win was a milestone, and Kent Jnr is hopeful Charm Stone can continue the strong tradition of Sangster winners featuring in The Goodwood. Despite her topweight assignment of 56.5kg, he believes she’s peaking at the right time.

“If you look at her overall record, she’s got a better second-up record than her first-up record.

“We had her very forward for that run, but I see no reason why she shouldn’t go well again, she didn’t have a gut-busting run, she was allowed to settle and finish off, so she should only tighten up some more.

“We’re thrilled with her since the run, so fingers crossed she can go and run well again.”

Giga Kick’s weight advantage (54.5kg) is tempered slightly by a wide draw (barrier 12), while Charm Stone will jump from six and Reserve Bank from nine.

Reserve Bank, who made a strong impression in the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m), is on an upward trajectory according to Kent Jnr.

“He had his main piece of work last Tuesday and a light piece of work on Saturday,” Kent Jnr said.

“He’s in really good form, very fresh and well.

“As a colt, he’s definitely matured with the trips away, he’s got a very good record overall.

“He’s got to go to a new level to beat Giga Kick, but he’s on an upward trend, so we don’t know where he’s ceiling is yet.”

Ben Melham will partner Charm Stone, while Jamie Melham continues his association with Reserve Bank. Mark Zahra, who rode Charm Stone last start, is committed to Giga Kick this time around.