Sandown Preview: Price Leans To Jacquinot

ASTUTE trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior take a powerful hand into the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Sandown Hillside with two of the leading chances in I’m Thunderstruck and Jacquinot.

TopSport has their three-year-old colt Jacquinot as a $3.50 favourite in front of I’m Thunderstruck at $4.

Price told Racing.Com he believes Jacquinot could have an advantage over the older galloper on the basis of race fitness.

“In terms of race fitness, I’ll lean to Jacquinot but I’m Thunderstruck won’t be far away.

There should be a bit of speed and they’ll be suited by the fast pace,” Price said.

Jacquinot will be looking to win his second Group 1 event as he won the Golden Rose against his own age group last year.

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Price brought him back into work to target the Orr Stakes and the Futurity Stakes and he won the Group 3 Manfred Stakes first-up recently over 1300 metres at Sandown Hillside against his own age group.

Three-year-olds have won three of the past ten Orr Stakes.

“Jacquinot is fit, fresh and sound. This looks a perfect race and will go into the race at his top,” Price said.

“Training wise he’s been perfect. I’d like to see him get to the outside. I don’t want to see him ducking and weaving,” he said.

Price said I’m Thunderstruck’s trial at Geelong was beautiful and he went really well.

“The last 100m race hard fitness could make a difference. I’m not saying he can’t win,” Price said.

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