Golden Path targets WJ McKell Cup after Ipswich Cup decision

Co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have bypassed the Ipswich Cup, where Golden Path was well-fancied, in favour of a Sydney campaign this Saturday.

The six-year-old is entered for the Listed WJ McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill, aiming to recapture his 2024 success in the race.

"It was too difficult from barrier 15 of 15 in the Ipswich Cup," Kent Jnr explained.

Although Golden Path has been absent from the winner's circle since last September's Flemington open handicap triumph, his recent performances include a third in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield and a runner-up finish in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley over his subsequent eight starts.

"His problem is that he's earned himself a fairly high rating without winning anything gangbusters," he added.

"That group one placing in the Underwood, he's always going to get top weight in these winter handicaps so it does pose some problems because he hasn't been able to take that next step.

In his most recent outing on May 30, the gelding set the pace into the straight for the Group 3 Lord Mayor's Cup (1800m) at Eagle Farm but was ultimately out-finished, crossing the line fifth.

"He had to do a lot of work in that race, and he still stuck on with it quite bravely so I think if you have a soft draw and a soft run in transit, then he'd go close.

"Though if he was giving weight to a smart, progressive young stayer then they might be hard to hold out."

Betting markets for the WJ McKell Cup are already heating up, with Golden Path a notable contender among the online bookmakers.