What to make of barrier one in a small weight-for-age field at Flemington.
It sounds a recipe for disaster when you have a short-priced favourite likeĀ the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trainedĀ I’m Thunderstruck who is opposed to seven rivals in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.
BarrierĀ one did not help I’m Thunderstruck when he was a closing second to Zaaki in the All-Star Mile over Saturday’s course and distance in March, but Saturday’s contest is a different scenario.
In the All-Star Mile I’m Thunderstruck was buried back on the fence beyond midfield, but in Saturday’sĀ contest he should be closer to the speed.
“The initial reaction was ‘oh barrier one’ but in looking into it a bit more it’s probably going to work out OK,” Kent Jnr said.
“I would expect Alligator Blood to be the leader and therefore we may be tagging him in the race, so in a small field, without a lot of speed, it is probably best to be drawn thereĀ than drawing out.
“It should enable him to be not too far away in the runĀ andĀ we knowĀ he is very brave.
“I think Flemington is a big tick. He love’s Flemington, the mile suits andĀ as long asĀ he brings his first-up run, he should go very well.”
According to Kent Jnr,Ā I’m Thunderstruck has trained on well from hisĀ first-upĀ second placing behindĀ SnapdancerĀ in the Group 1Ā MemsieĀ Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 27.
Kent JnrĀ said the now five-year-old was more relaxed in his work and the co-trainer could not have wished for a better two weeks between runs.
“Mark Zahra was in to ride himĀ on Tuesday,” Kent Jnr said.
“He’s relaxing better than ever which is a good thingĀ as he was always hard up on the bridle as a younger horse, but he’s relaxing better.
“His gallop was super. He idled up and if let go could have won it easily.”
Barrier one may have some concerned asĀ I’m Thunderstruck has been easy in TAB betting since the final field was declared on Wednesday, drifting from $2.20 to $2.40.
Alligator Blood has been the firmer, shortening from $6 into $4.80 while there hasĀ alsoĀ been support for Cascadian ($6 into $5.50) and Western Empire ($6.50 into $6).
