A lot of water has gone under the bridge since Charm Stone won the last Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare won last year’s race at The Valley first-up and heads to Caulfield on Sunday looking to add this year’s Group 1 1200m sprint to her record.
This year’s Manikato Stakes has been transferred to Caulfield while the Moonee Valley circuit undergoes a rebuild.
Blake Shinn partnered Charm Stone to a resounding success last year and, after riding the mare in two trials this campaign at Cranbourne, has elected to partner Geegees Mistruth on Sunday.
Damian Lane takes over in the saddle on Charm Stone.
Charm Stone has not raced since finishing a close third in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville in April, after which a planned trip to Royal Ascot was aborted.
Price said the potential for heading to Royal Ascot next year was still an option for Charm Stone, provided her form this spring and in the autumn warrants it.
“She had an entrapped epiglottis,” Price said.
“I said to Seamus (Mills) I wouldn’t be taking the risk of going to Royal Ascot as she’s a beautiful mare, she’s too valuable.
“I know the owners have a good appetite for Royal Ascot, and she has not been over-raced and if she’s happy and healthy, why not go next year.
“She went into the Sangster with that, and she got beaten a head in that, but I think she can return to her best form.
“The entrapped epiglottis is the lesser of all the procedures and her throat is perfect now.
“She’s a beautiful mare, in good condition.”
In last year’s Manikato victory, Charm Stone drew barrier two and had the run of the race.
It is a different scenario this year from barrier 11, but Price sees Caulfield as being a better proposition than The Valley if drawn out.
“I see no negative on that,” Price said.
“The 1200 metres is a good starting distance. There is the chute and usually every horse gets their chance, especially over 1200 metres.”
