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."
Check out the online bookmakers for competitive racing betting markets on the All-Star Mile.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...