The world’s best sprinter Lankan Rupee has returned to trainer Mick Price’s Caulfield stables to prepare for the Group One TJ Smith Stakes in Sydney.
Lankan Rupee’s Newmarket Handicap win propelled the son of Redoute’s Choice to the top of the first International Federation of Horseracing Authorities’ sprint rankings for the year with a rating of 121.
The four-year-old, who has dominated the Melbourne sprint ranks since being gelded last year, arrived back at Caulfield on Monday after a short break following his Flemington victory on March 8.
Lankan Rupee has not raced in Sydney but Price says the brilliant performer will work right-handed before he travels north for his $2.5 million assignment on April 12.
“He’ll do a few reverse way gallops then he’ll make his way up to Sydney,” Price said.
“I’m very happy with how he’s done since the Newmarket and we’ll keep progressing towards Sydney.”
Price will start dual Group One winner Samaready in Friday night’s William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley which will be her first run since her sixth to Lankan Rupee in the Newmarket Handicap.
Samaready won the Group One Moir Stakes over the William Reid Stakes course in the spring before the daughter of More Than Ready failed in the Group One Manikato Stakes on Cox Plate eve.
