A change of rider, a change of gear and an encouraging trial have trainer Mick Price ready to get the promising colt Al Aneed back on track at Flemington on Saturday.
An impressive winner in Listed company at Caulfield in October, Al Aneed has run a couple of indifferent races since.
“When Glen Boss won on him at Caulfield he said he was concerned about the horse’s behaviour in the race,” Price said.
“It’s a concentration thing with him – when he concentrates he’s very good.”
When he runs in Saturday’s Fiesta Star Handicap (1200m), Al Aneed will be ridden by Craig Newitt in place of Boss and will wear winkers rather than the blinkers he’d previously carried.
“He had the change of jockey and the new gear in a trial at Sandown and he went beautifully,” Price said.
“He’s certainly good enough to win and I’m hoping he will.”
Al Aneed is a $7.50 chance in a race in which TAB Sportsbet is betting $7 the field with three runners – Gig, Diamond Diggler and Pillar Of Creation all sharing the top line.
Price has a strong hand at Flemington with useful prospects in two other races.
In the Skipton Handicap (1630m) he will saddle topweight Fast And Free who came off a first-up win in Adelaide to finish third when favourite behind Shout Out Loud at Caulfield earlier this month.
“He just wasn’t fast enough over the 1400 (metres) at Caulfield, hence the move up to 1600 (metres) on Saturday,” Price said.
“He’s worked nicely since and he probably has his chance here.”
Fast And Free is vying for favouritism with the David Hayes-trained Speckie whose recent good form reflects that of his stable.
Price also has bright prospects with Meritorious in the Comic COurt Handicap (2000m).
The trainer suggests Meritorious’ failure two starts back at Moonee Valley be overlooked and his chances be assessed on his strong last-start win at Geelong.
He is a $6 chance in an open race.
