Mick Price has trained Group 1 champions throughout his career, and now he believes another stable star is ready to make a major impact this spring. After months on the sidelines, the talented galloper is closing in on a return—and Price couldn’t be happier with what he’s seeing.
The horse in question is Planet Red, the Australian Guineas placegetter who hasn’t raced since finishing sixth in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes in March.
Despite the lengthy break, Price is confident the four-year-old has returned a stronger and more mature horse.
Speaking to Giddy Up, Price revealed Planet Red has come back in outstanding order.
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“He’s come back really well,” Price told Racing.com.
“I’m very happy with him.”
Price said the gelding has strengthened physically during his time away from racing and believes he is now ready to fulfil the enormous promise he displayed throughout his three-year-old season. (racing.com)
The excitement is understandable.
Planet Red has raced only eight times but has already built an impressive résumé, recording two wins, three placings and almost $870,000 in prizemoney.
More importantly, his form has repeatedly stacked up at the highest level.
He finished runner-up in the Group 1 Australian Guineas, placed in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes, and earlier produced an outstanding performance in the Caulfield Guineas, proving he belongs among Australia’s elite middle-distance horses. (racing.com)
Price indicated to Racing.com that Planet Red is likely to be aimed at Melbourne’s major spring races, believing the son of Admire Mars has developed into the type of horse capable of competing successfully against older rivals.
It’s a view shared by plenty of racing observers.
Planet Red’s Australian Guineas form looks particularly strong after several runners from that race continued to perform well through the autumn, reinforcing the quality of his performances as a three-year-old.
The stable also has history on its side.
Price and co-trainer Michael Kent Jr have developed numerous talented three-year-olds into Group 1 performers, and Planet Red appears to possess the natural progression required to follow that path.
Purchased for NZ$260,000 at the 2024 New Zealand Ready to Run Sale, the gelding has already repaid his purchase price several times over.
But connections believe the best is still to come.
If Price’s confidence proves justified, Planet Red could quickly emerge as one of the horses to follow throughout the spring carnival.
And after almost four months away from the races, he may just return as one of Australia’s most exciting forgotten stars.
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