Planet Red and Sabaj primed for Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Mick Price is candid about the challenges facing Sabaj and Planet Red in this Saturday's Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, admitting they require a perfect scenario to triumph, but he is diligently working to provide them the best possible opportunity.

The Cranbourne trainer, in partnership with Michael Kent Jnr, has deliberately focused on keeping the pair sharp enough to contend in the $1 million contest over 1400 metres.

While their ultimate spring targets lie over greater distances, Price has adjusted their training regime leading into their second-up runs and expressed satisfaction with their adaptation.

'I cut their work down to half-mile (800m), home 'three' (600m) on the grass and they were both perky,' Price remarked about their Saturday morning exertions.

'Both of those horses, their best distance is 1600 and we're trying to win a 1400-metre race with them, so I need them jumping up and down a little bit.

'They're nice and fresh and they should show up at the end of 1400.'

The Memsie Stakes (1400m) on August 29 served as the resumption for both Planet Red and Sabaj, where they finished seventh and last respectively in the 12-horse field won by Beiwacht.

Planet Red's run in the Memsie Stakes was the initial step towards a campaign aimed at the $10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle (1400m) on October 31, whereas Sabaj's principal aim is the $2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) seven days following.

Both contenders are scheduled to contest the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) on October 10, and Price views this weekend's race as the crucial preparatory outing for that event.

'That (1400m) is not their ideal distance in a Group 1 handicap on top of the ground where they might run 1:22-something if it's a good-run race,' Price explained. 'But this is the race we want to use to go to the Toorak and they're both going well.'

Planet Red and Sabaj are among 24 horses entered for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, with Lady Shenandoah, Sepals, and Angel Capital also expected to participate.

This prestigious race is one of two $1 million Group 1 events at Caulfield this Saturday, sharing the spotlight with the Underwood Stakes (1800m), which has drawn 15 nominations including notable runners like Cosmic Crusader, Aeliana, Birdman, Buckaroo, and Lindermann.

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