Price outlines Charm Stone plan for William Reid Stakes
No need to cue Mick Price on the assignment ahead for Charm Stone in her opening run back at Caulfield.
Co-trainer Price feels a touch uneasy with Jimmysstar and Angel Capital entered in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m), but highlights her flawless training regimen for the Saturday assignment.
The mare trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr has secured two Group 1 victories and notably will shape her destiny on the day.
She intends to lead or sit handy and avoid interference, in contrast to Jimmysstar and Angel Capital expected to find cover midfield.
Both of Charm Stone's elite-level wins occurred after layoffs – Sangster Stakes post three months rest, Manikato Stakes following four months idle.
Now facing five months between runs, the mare's entire campaign has been managed by Price and Kent Jnr after arriving straight to their yard sans pre-training.
She progressed via a mid-meeting gallop at Caulfield and a brace of jump-outs, the freshest at Cranbourne March 9.
"She took a bit out of that gallop and what we have done, she has needed," Price said.
"She did not do any pre-training. She came straight to us. She had a bit of 'pudding' on her, and she's needed some gallops, but she hasn't put a foot wrong.
"She's had a brilliant prep, she goes good fresh and she's reasonably fit and if the race sets up well for her, she should be around the money as she will take a forward position and take luck out of the equation.
"In the Manikato, she was up there. She's been springing the gates really well and I would expect her to again bounce and put herself there.
"She's had a good prep. She's a very happy mare."
With Sydney rides for Ben Melham and Damian Lane, and Mark Zahra on Jimmysstar, Thomas Stockdale steps up for Charm Stone's ride Saturday, fresh off a Tuesday Caulfield gallop together.
Monday rain softened one side of the track, though upcoming fine weather should deliver optimal going, per Price.
"Tommy Stockdale won a Group 3 on Gumdrops for Sheamus Mills and the owners and has a bit of a connection there," Price said.
"He's a loyal worker, a nice jockey that helps us a lot and has ridden a lot for Sheamus.
"I'm happy to have him on and hopefully he wins his first Group 1."
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