Observer skips Caulfield clash with Planet Red

Thank the Lord.

Co-trainer Mick Price's first response was that when he was asked whether he was happy that Observer wouldn't be facing Planet Red in Saturday's Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Planet Red, handled by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, is set for Caulfield action, whereas Observer seeks additional Group 1 glory in Sydney's Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

This campaign, the Price and Kent Jnr runner has followed Observer home on both occasions, runner-up in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield followed by the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington.

"With all due respect to that very good horse Observer, he was unlucky in the Caulfield Guineas, but we ran second and Planet Red's two runs this time in have been dictated to by bad barriers," Price said.

"First-up he was ridden cold and whooshed home very well and then in the Australian Guineas, it was the same thing.

"I couldn't work out how to ride him and watching the race unfold, I think it was the right thing to do.

"It's a different race on Saturday, different tempo, different barrier, and I think it will be change of tactics.

"In a 2000-metre race when they sit up there will be no need for him to be too far away."

According to Price, the gelding Planet Red might conclude his campaign post-Saturday, given his intention to add some weight and condition to the horse's frame.

Price harbours doubts about Planet Red's staying credentials, yet he expects the 2000m trip on Saturday to suit just fine.

"He's a strong horse, with a good brain, but while he's a good size, he just doesn't have the muscle on him that I would like to see," Price said.

"He's done the work to run 2000 metres, He's fit, very sound and it's a nice race for him, but I don't think I will persevere too long this preparation because he's a growing horse on a good frame.

"I don't know if he's a true staying horse, but he's a nice miler, 2000-metre horse and I think he will come back as a nice four-year-old if we look after him.

"Hopefully he can go out on a winning note."

Find the best online bookmakers offering markets for Planet Red in the Alister Clark Stakes at Caulfield.