The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained gelding was second in both the A$5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) last Saturday.

Price was pleased with the way the Kiwi-bred pulled up after the race and has elected to press on for one more run this preparation.

“He pulled up good (from the Doncaster),” Price told RacingHQ. “Hugh (Bowman, jockey) said he has ridden the horse on top of the ground and in this very heavy ground, and he said he is better on top of the ground.

“On Sunday I was going to go to the paddock (with him) but I thought I would put a voicemail out to the owners to say let’s run him in the 2000m race.

“Mark Zahra is riding because Hughy jumped on Montefilia. It is a horse race and it is $5 million and my horse is in perfect condition.

“He is very well.”

Price will also line-up fellow Kiwi-bred Annavisto in the Gr.1 Queen of the Turf Stakes (1600m) and the daughter of Reliable Man will be ridden positively.

“Annavisto will be ridden by Rachel King from barrier 6,” Price said. 

“I am sick of trying to get this horse to behave itself. I am going to let her slide. She is a good front-running rider, that is why I put her on.”

Annavisto was identified by bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo and purchased out of Tony Pike’s stable in New Zealand after winning a trial at Te Teko in February 2020.