Joe Pride says it is now up to Think About It as the gelding is about to embark on his first assault at Group 1 level.
Defeated once in eight starts, Think About It is a dual winner in Stakes company but will need to lift the bar on Saturday in the Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm.
Not only will it be Think About It’s first foray at Group 1 level, but it will also be his first shot at weight-for-age racing.
The Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 10 and the $3 million in prize money is Think About It’s ultimate aim for his winter campaign in Brisbane.
“I wouldn’t say there was nowhere for him to go, he could have run in the BRC Sprint (at Doomben last Saturday), but I wanted to give him a look at Eagle Farm before the Stradbroke,” Pride said.
“And that opportunity is on Saturday, albeit at weight-for-age.
“The horse has done well, I’m really happy with him, but it is an acid test for him.
“If he’s not up to it now, I think he will get there eventually and the only way to find out is to put him in one of these races and give him an opportunity.”
Think About It has drawn a middle gate, barrier eight, on Saturday which will give jockey Sam Clipperton the opportunity to assess his options.
Pride said there should be good speed with stablemate Eduardo drawn inside him in gate five, although a few that he thought would be lining up ran at Doomben on Saturday.
“It will be a fast race as Eduardo is coming up for it,” Pride said.
“He’ll run them along a bit so it will be a good opportunity for them, but Think It Over, he’s led, and he’s won, and he’s sat back, so a middle draw is nice.”
While Think About It has won seven races with his biggest win coming in Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m) at Randwick in February, Price said it would be quite easy to talk down the gelding’s prospects in a race like what he is contesting on Saturday.
“But that’s not for me on what he’s done so far,” Pride said.
“We have to see where we are.”
