Golden Path set to kick off 2025 Caulfield Cup campaign

After a successful stint racing in Sydney, Golden Path has returned to Melbourne for his spring campaign under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. His first run will be in the Sportsbet Blackbook Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday, with the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 18 a potential long-range target.

Kent Jnr said the gelding responded well to the Sydney environment last year, where he claimed a heavy track victory at Rosehill and later contested select races in both the spring and autumn.

“He thrived up in Sydney and he really thrived when he got up to 2000 metres,” Kent Jnr said.

“The programming said we had to kick him off in some Group 1’s last preparation, but he was three or four lengths off the pace every time.

“We could have taken him to the PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m, on Saturday) as a kick-off, but we didn’t think he would be a genuine competitive chance, so we’ve opted to get him a bit fitter, and go to the mile with the claim.

“With 59 kilos, he’s quite forward, and I think he can run a bit of a race.”

The wide draw of barrier 13 isn’t ideal, but Kent Jnr says they’ll ride him quietly. “The barrier disheartens us a little bit. We’ll ride him to try and hit the line. I don’t think he’s a horse you want to be cooking him first-up from the wide gate with the weight and then upset the campaign.”

Golden Path is pencilled in for the Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) at Caulfield second-up. With five wins from 17 career starts, this could be the campaign where he is tested over 2400m.

“He’s never been to 2400 (metres), but I don’t see why we shouldn’t give it a go,” Kent Jnr said. “If he gets it, he’s got the class to be competitive, maybe even The Metropolitan (at Randwick) could suit, and we know he doesn’t mind a drop of rain and loves getting his toe in.”

Punters can find competitive markets for Golden Path and other spring contenders at the top betting sites.