Rider to give them Space in the 2026 Manfred Stakes

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr will saddle three runners in Saturday’s Group 3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield as the stable looks to make an early impression on the autumn carnival.

Space Rider headlines the trio, returning first-up after an inconsistent spring campaign that concluded with an 11th in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.

The Zoustar gelding had earlier shown his ability with wins at Eagle Farm and Moonee Valley, and connections believe the drop back to 1200 metres is ideal.

Although drawn barrier 10, Space Rider will benefit from the long run to the first turn and has Ethan Brown engaged for the ride.

“Space Rider is two-for-two first-up but the gate makes it tricky,” Kent Jnr told RSN.

“I think we’ll ride him to finish off because you’d hate to see him posted wide with no cover and fold with the idea of going to the Australian Guineas third-up.”

The gelding remains a $26 chance for the Australian Guineas later this month.

Stablemate Job Done will also line up as the team looks to secure black type before spelling, having beaten Naifah two starts back.

Naifah was scratched from the Listed Durbridge Stakes to contest this race instead.

“Naifah is a big, robust filly who is doing a wonderful job and is sixth-up,” Kent Jnr said.

“She was well out of her grade last time against the older mares and should have run second.

“We’re very happy with how she is training and she’ll flow forward.”

The stable also sends out Taken in the opening Caulfield race, choosing to stay in Melbourne despite strong markets in Sydney.

“He was favourite in Sydney as well but Caulfield looks a lovely race and there is always tiny risk of things going wrong with a trip interstate.

“He was well below par last time but we have given him a fresh-up and he trialled well last week at Sandown and came up on the outside of Tom Kitten.

“I think he is very well placed.”

Punters can assess markets for the Manfred Stakes and supporting races through leading Australian betting sites.

The post Rider to give them Space in Manfred Stakes first appeared on Just Horse Racing.