Michael Kent Jnr is under no illusions as to the task of beating a horse like Giga Kick in The Goodwood on Saturday but believes his pair are the right contenders.
Kent Jnr, who trains in partnership with Mick Price, will saddle up a pair of last-start winners, headed by Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes heroine Charm Stone, a victory that meant a lot to the stable.
“It was a really satisfying win,” Kent Jnr said.
“There’s a lot of pressure on mares like that. A, it costs a lot of money, but B, she’s shown Group One talent all the way through.
“She was a one-time Blue Diamond favourite, one-time Coolmore favourite, and she’s had a few hurdles to climb, but I’m really proud of the team.”
The Sangster has been a strong reference for The Goodwood in recent years with filles and mares successful in the past two editions, and Kent Jnr believes Charm Stone is up to the task, albeit asked to carry top weight of 56.5kg under the set weights and penalties conditions.
“If you look at her overall record, she’s got a better second-up record than her first-up record.
“We had her very forward for that run, but I see no reason why she shouldn’t go well again, she didn’t have a gut-busting run, she was allowed to settle and finish off, so she should only tighten up some more.
“We’re thrilled with her since the run, so fingers crossed she can go and run well again.”
To at least soften the blow of 116 rater Giga Kick getting in with 54.5kg, the $2.10 favourite has drawn barrier 12 of 13, while $7.50 second elect Charm Stone has drawn six and stablemate Reserve Bank, a $10 chance, will jump from nine.
Capitalist colt Reserve Bank has won his past two starts at Morphettville, winning the Group 2 Tobin Bronze Stakes (1200m) on April 26 in what Kent Jnr said was a mature performance.
“He had his main piece of work last Tuesday and a light piece of work on Saturday,” Kent Jnr said.
“He’s in really good form, very fresh and well.
“As a colt, he’s definitely matured with the trips away, he’s got a very good record overall.
“He’s got to go to a new level to beat Giga Kick, but he’s on an upward trend, so we don’t know where he’s ceiling is yet.”
Husband and wife duo Ben and Jamie Melham will ride Charm Stone and Reserve Bank respectively, with Ben replacing Mark Zahra who was already committed to ride Giga Kick.
