3 minute read

National Choice, Cambourne and Captain Corelli will take part in the Caulfield Guineas.

Mick Price will press on with Caulfield Guineas plans with three of his runners from Caulfield on Saturday after they pleased the trainer with their performances. 

National Choice, Cambourne and Captain Corelli finished third, fourth and fifth respectively in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) on Saturday. 

Price, who trains in partnership with Mick Kent Jnr, intends starting the three horses in the $2 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 10. 

National Choice led and was brave in his third-placed finish, but Price said the three-year-old showed with that performance how inconsistent he can be as a colt. 

"We gave him the benefit of the doubt last start, rode a patient race and he had a total RDO," Price said. 

"He said, 'thanks for that, I won't be trying today', but with the blinkers on I thought it was a sensible ride by Craig Newitt and the sectionals were ok. 

"At least I saw him improve and he's out of a Savabeel mare so he'll handle the soft ground. 

"Craig is confident that the horse will get 1600 metres, so he pushes on to the Caulfield Guineas." 

Having won his first two starts at Donald and Bendigo, Cambourne made his city debut on Saturday. 

After getting back in the run, Cambourne finished strongly to be beaten just over 2-¼ lengths by Crosshaven. 

"I thought he got way too far out of his ground but these things are dictated to by bad gates," Price said. 

"Bad gates cause awkward rides. If he had drawn a gate, then midfield, I would make a case that he's in the money. 

"He was one of the best closers, he's a strong horse and he'll get 1600 metres no problem. 

"He's having a good preparation and we'll keep on and run in the Caulfield Guineas." 

While bred to run 2000m and beyond, Price says he's unsure whether he wants to be chasing the Group 1 Victoria Derby with Captain Corelli and this stage of the three-year-old's career. 

Instead he intends keeping the colt to shorter journeys. 

"His run was fine," Price said. 

"(Ben) Melham was of the opinion that he's still learning and I agree. 

"He's had a break from his two first runs. He's going to be on the up but definitely I will be accepting with him in the Caulfield Guineas." 

Cambourne ($13) is the highest rated of the Price and Kent Jnr-trained runner in TAB betting on the Caulfield Guineas ahead of National Choice ($21) and Captain Corelli ($26). 

Mo'Unga heads the betting at $5 ahead of Ole Kirk at $6 and Glenfiddich at $7.