Price Thinks Baby Can Bounce Back
- Thursday, 08 July 2010 00:48
Trainer Mick Price believes his star youngster Our Baby Bonus is 'spot on' for Saturday's $75,000 Henry Bucks Best Dressed Handicap (1000m) at Flemington.
But Price is the first to admit that he felt no different leading up to the gelding's only failure at Moonee Valley three weeks ago.
"I believe I have Our Baby Bonus right, I cant fault him," said Price at trackwork this morning.
"But that said I felt I had him spot on last time out too, in fact I thought he'd just win."
In Price's defence his judgement had been quite accurate during the three-year-old's unbeaten run during which he amassed almost $150,000 in just four starts.
Our Baby Bonus was found to be sore in his off hind following his moderate performance at the Valley but Price is confident the son of Dash For Cash had responded well to treatment.
"He was found to be sore in his stifle, which is an unusual area for a thoroughbred to be injured," Price said.
"We have modified his training quite a bit and the water walker has been effective in keeping weight off the injured leg."
Price is unsure if the absence of corners down the Flemington straight will improve the gelding's chances but is positive Our Baby Bonus will thrive in the wet conditions.
"It's hard to say if the straight run will have any impact on his performance and he has won four of his five starts around corners," said Price.
"As far as the heavy track goes I think he will love it, he seemed fine on a slow surface at Moonee Valley.
"Not to mention he's a grey and they love the wet," Price joked.
Our Baby Bonus has drawn to the outside of the track in barrier seven and will carry just 56kg after the claim for apprentice Taylor Lovelock-Wiggins who has been riding well in the city area for new Master Peter Moody.
Photo by Fiona Tomlin
