Mick Price was out of his chair and had his first major win in sight.
It was 2006 and stable star Pompeii Ruler was in front in the Cox Plate with 50 metres to run.
“I got up off my chair and gave him a cheer,” Price recalled.
“I went the crow. I thought that wasn’t too early but then I had to sit down again.”
Pompeii Ruler was run down by Fields Of Omagh and El Segundo in a blanket finish.
It remains the closest the Caulfield trainer has come to winning one of Australian racing’s four majors – the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Golden Slipper.
On Saturday at Rosehill, Price gets his best chance yet to win one of the “big ones” when he saddles up dominant favourite Samaready in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper (1200m).
“It’s one of the big four,” Price said.
“Seeing as though I haven’t won any of them, this is my best chance for sure to win a big one.
“It’s the right race to win. It would be enormous. You just need it on your CV as a trainer. Apart from your pocket, that would be all right too.”
Samaready is unbeaten from four starts including the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes and is the $2.50 favourite with TAB Sportsbet.
The filly was a dominant winner of the Reisling Stakes at her Sydney debut two weeks ago and Price is confident the daughter of More Than Ready’s preparation has been perfect.
“I just think she’s the right horse to do it,” Price said.
“I know just training her that she’s the right horse and her form suggests she’s the right horse. She’s got a good rider and like any race, you just need a bit of luck now.”
Samaready has been in Sydney since before the Reisling and Price said the youngster had thrived in the warmer environment.
“I’ve thought the lead-up has been pretty perfect,” Price said.
“I’m not taking the opposition lightly but I’m pleased with what I’ve seen so far.”
Samaready will be ridden by Craig Newitt who has been aboard the filly in all four starts.
He confidently declared after winning the Reisling that Samaready was a better horse going the Sydney direction than in Melbourne where she also dominated.
Newitt has the job of piloting the favourite from barrier 11 in the field of 16 and has said he would ride the filly like the best horse in the race.
Price is happy with the draw.
“She should be able to stay out of trouble there,” Price said.
