Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Mick Price is expecting a return to racing at Flemington to benefit Grunt when he runs in the Group One Makybe Diva Stakes

Trainer Mick Price is expecting a return to racing at Flemington to benefit Grunt when he runs in the Group One Makybe Diva Stakes.

Grunt is the least experienced of the 12 runners in Saturday’s 1600m weight-for-age race, but has an imposing Flemington record.

He finished third on debut at the course in May last year while his only two other starts at the track are wins in the C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) in February before the Australian Guineas (1600m) two weeks later.

Price gave Grunt a spell after the Guineas to concentrate on the spring.

Initially he intended to run Grunt first-up in last month’s P B Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield and then head straight to the Makybe Diva.

But because Grunt is a gross four-year-old, Price thought an extra run over 1400m in the Memsie Stakes, in which he finished eighth behind Humidor, would be beneficial.

Price is happy with where Grunt is placed and says Saturday is the day he is ready to step up.

After riding Vega Magic in the Memsie, Damien Oliver returns to the saddle on Saturday.

“Expectations are that he’ll start to improve,” Price said.

“We’re going up in distance and getting him on the bigger track which he likes.

“He’s drawn a nice gate to have a nice run in the race so I think he’ll start to show up from Saturday.”

While not discounting a Cox Plate start, Price is reconsidering plans.

He said the long-striding horse may not be suited around Moonee Valley and while not entirely happy over 1400m at Caulfield he may appreciate a slower tempo at that track over 2400m in the Caulfield Cup 2018.

“After his run on Saturday I’ll get a bit of advice from Ollie and work it out,” Price said.

“Like a lot of good three-year-olds they come from racing against their own age into racing against harder, older horses which they have to get through.

“Anyway it’s a nice race for him and he should be ready to show up.”

Price sees Grunt ($12) as one of four leading chances in Saturday’s race.

He named Kementari, the $3.80 favourite, Humidor ($4) and Kings Will Dream ($4.60) the dangers.

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au