Price straps The Speed Machine ahead of Mornington triumph

At Mornington, trainer Mick Price returned to his early career tasks by parading The Speed Machine himself.

The youngster, under the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, got lively during the saddling process, so Price handled the strapping before the Mornington Sires (1000m) took place on Saturday.

It proved a smart move, with The Speed Machine ($3) surging to the front immediately under jockey Thomas Stockdale for a half-neck success against $2.50 market fancy Luna Vega, and Zynaro ($11) trailing by another 2-½ lengths in third spot.

According to Price, The Speed Machine sports red earmuffs in the parade prior to racing, only to have them removed at the starting barriers.

Price sensed the gelding was somewhat lethargic and decided to strip the headgear after saddling was done.

"His father (Hanseatic) used to have a bit of feist about him," Price said.

"His father used to always have two strappers on him, and I did take the red earmuffs off him while we were saddling him up, because I thought he was half asleep.

"But I found out the wrong way. He was not asleep and I had to do my own work."

With two wins from two attempts, The Speed Machine first succeeded over 1000m in a small field of four at Morphettville Parks last month.

Trainer Price views him as more than just a 1000m type and expects extension to 1200m.

Kempinsky's colours adorn The Speed Machine; the owner captured The Vase at Moonee Valley and placed second in the 2003 Group 1 Victoria Derby at Flemington.

"We've had horses together for 30 years, but we haven't had a lot of starters over that time," Price said.

"He buys them, I move them on, but this one, he's a keeper.

"He a fast horse, and he's a strong horse, and he's very sound, an easy horse to train."

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