Poseidon Stakes: A battle of class versus tenacity awaits

Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr are set to field two colts in the upcoming Poseidon Stakes at Flemington, with eyes firmly set on more significant spring engagements.

The 1100-metre dash down the Flemington straight on Saturday is being viewed as a potential launchpad for races like the Danehill Stakes (1100m) on October 3, the Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on October 17, and the coveted Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington two weeks later.

Trainer Mick Price believes that while Big Sky brings the class, his stablemate Buggsy has the fighting spirit that could carry him far.

"My man, Henry Jaggard, who rides a lot of my good ones and a lot of the Freedman's good ones, he's a very good judge," Price commented.

"He rides Buggsy and he rides Big Sky and he said he would go Big Sky, on class."

Big Sky boasts an unblemished record from two starts, including a successful debut down the Flemington straight in January, followed by a win in the Chairman's Stakes at Caulfield.

A knee issue requiring arthroscopic surgery led to his withdrawal from the Blue Diamond Stakes, Melbourne's premier juvenile feature.

Big Sky has completed three jump-outs under the guidance of Price and Kent Jnr as preparation for his return to the track.

"Big Sky has had three trials knowing that he's a colt and I want to keep his form good in case someone likes him as a colt," Price explained.

"His job, all being well will be the Poseidon, the Danehill, the Blue Sapphire and the Coolmore, being a sprinting Bivouac that he is.

"I think it's a better race for him (than Buggsy) on class and I think Big Sky has improved as a horse.

"As a young horse he wasn't getting it right but still winning well."

Although Price rates Big Sky as the classier of the two, he is confident that Buggsy will offer a stern challenge.

Buggsy commenced his career with a win at Sandown and later secured third place in the Redoute's Choice Stakes at Caulfield in April.

He made a successful return at Sandown last month, winning over 1000m.

"The Redoute's Choice caught him on the way down," Price revealed.

"I was in two minds whether to run him, and I know he ran third, on paper, but it was not the right Buggsy that ran in that race.

"His tenacity, his fitness, his soundness, his desire, it may get him there."

Explore the latest Australian betting sites for potential wagers on this intriguing contest.