The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable will strive for a second victory in the Danehill Stakes in three years with two runners.
Big Sky and Buggsy will try and emulate the feat of First Settler and Reserve Bank who ran one-two in the Group 2 race for three-year-olds over 1100m at Flemington in 2024.
Like that year’s edition which was run on a Soft 6 track, Saturday’s race will be run on affected ground after the Flemington track has been deluged with rain.
But Price said regardless of the conditions, both Big Sky and Buggsy would take their place on Saturday.
Buggsy has heavy track form, winning at Sandown in August, before finishing fourth to Paradoxium in the Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on September 12, in which Big Sky finished third.
The son of Harry Angel was down to run at Caulfield last Sunday but was scratched to be saved for Saturday’s contest.
“He had 59 kilos, he drew a bad gate, and albeit that it was not a ‘Black Type’ race, on form, I think there will be ‘Black Type’ horses in there,” Price said of Buggsy.
“It was a very sharp, smart race, and from the draw I don’t think he could go any good in it.
“I think if he runs well in the Danehill, he can go to the Blue Sapphire at 1200 metres (at Caulfield) and then to the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
“I might not have the best horse, but he’ll be fit and well and has to compete.”
Big Sky, who was unbeaten in his first two starts as a two-year-old before being scratched from the Blue Diamond with a knee complaint, has taken benefit from his first-up run.
However, the heavy track, as it was rated on Friday, is a concern.
“He hasn’t put a foot wrong, and I thought his run first-up after eight months was good,” Price said.
“He was nice and full of himself.
“He’s worked well since, eaten up well, so we’ll have to see how he is on the wet, but I think he’ll show up.”
