Mick Price has declared his intention to lead on Annavisto in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes and he believes Rachel King is the perfect rider for the task.
The four-year-old was sent out favourite at her Sydney debut in the Emancipation Stakes but tugged for rein after she was restrained to camp on the flanks of race leader Expat.
She fought on well to finish fourth to Saturday’s rival Promise Of Success, beaten just over half a length, but Price is keen to see her allowed to bowl along at her own tempo in Saturday’s 1600m Group 1 assignment.
“It’s not a change of tactics but we are going to lead if it works out that way,” Price said.
“Rachel King is a good frontrunning, slip-along type of rider and I’m getting a bit sick of fighting that mare and having her pull.
“She went to the front at Flemington and won there, so she will take it up, or be bowling along up there handy somewhere.”
Annavisto scored a dynamic win at Group 3 level in Melbourne two starts ago and has won four of her nine starts on soft ground, although she is untested in anything worse.
She will be one of two Queen Of The Turf Stakes runners for Price and training partner Michael Kent (Jnr), along with Quantum Mechanic who will be partnered by Damian Lane.
Third behind Nettoyer and Probabeel in the corresponding race 12 months ago, Quantum Mechanic is fitter for two lead-up runs in Melbourne and has a pattern of improving as she gets deeper into a campaign.
“Quantum Mechanic ran third in the race last year and she might not have improved a lot, but she is flying,” Price said.
“She’s a bit of a wet tracker so she will give a good account of herself also.”
The Queen Of The Turf Stakes has attracted a talented field led by seasoned mares Colette and Icebath, along with a quartet of three-year-olds, including the undefeated Yonce and last-start Vinery Stud Stakes winner Fangirl.
