All-Star Mile next for Sabaj following blood test setback

Sabaj, under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, faces a puzzling field in the All-Star Mile with Pride Of Jenni taking part.

Saturday's All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington is now the primary target for Sabaj, who skipped last week's Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington due to unsatisfactory blood results.

The gelding was set for the Australian Cup (2000m) on March 28 at Flemington, routing via the Blamey and Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in two weeks, with knowledge of Pride Of Jenni's commitment to the All-Star Mile.

"Originally, we wanted to go Blamey, Peter Young, Australian Cup," Price said.

"We thought that was the best option because if Pride Of Jenni is at her best, she is unbeatable.

"I don't know if she is, but whenever she is a race, they can be upset races.

"Who is the horse that carts up?

"Those races are so unusual when Pride Of Jenni is blasting away, but because we had a bad blood count, we've ended up in the All-Star Mile, and I'm not sure whether we end up in the Australian Cup after that or not."

An inflammation marker appeared in Sabaj's bloodwork, Price explained, stressing he won't launch a horse carrying that flag.

Sabaj is now fit again, and from barrier position, Price foresees a competitive showing from the gelding, but not as the front-runner while others chase down Pride Of Jenni.

"He'll be around there somewhere at the finish, but everyone needs her to have an off day," Price said.

"If you have horses behind you and only Pride Of Jenni in front of you, it's a tough gig, but I don't think that will be us.

"I'm not sure who it is, and that is why it can be an upset race. You can only ride the race you are in, not Pride Of Jenni's race.

"If she capitulates, you're on, if not, no-one beats her."

The trainer has long aimed to assess Sabaj over 2000m, considering the Australian Cup perfect for it.

Yet the health glitch leaves his participation in doubt, possibly pushing back to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Randwick next month.

A possible detour is the Doncaster Mile (1600m).

"He's a good miler on a big track but plans are up in the air because we had to divert," Price said.

"I've been keen to try him at 2000 metres because I think he's got that tempo about him and if they do get 2000 metres, it opens up more options.

"He could end up in the Queen Elzabeth, or he could go to Queensland, but we were going to find out a but in the Australian Cup."

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