News

Price maps out program for Pompeii

22nd Apr 2009

AAP Racing - Mark Ryan - Wednesday, 22 April 2009

Trainer Mick Price is planning to start Pompeii Ruler in the Singapore Gold Cup but first he will run in Saturday's Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick and back up a week later in the Hollindale Stakes at the Gold Coast.

Price said he was happy with the 2007 Australian Cup winner who has had an interrupted career due to leg injuries.

The Genuine six-year-old resumed after his latest setback with a four-length eighth to Vision And Power in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on April 4.

"He's going well and will back up in the Hollindale and he's an entry for the Singapore Gold Cup two weeks after that. He's (going) there at this stage," Price said.

The Lee Freedman-trained Mummify won the 2005 Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) while New Zealander Sir Slick ran fifth to Jay Peg last year.

Pompeii Ruler is a $21 chance with TAB Sportsbet for the Queen Elizabeth.

The $3.20 favourite is the unlucky Doncaster placegetter Whobegotyou with Ryder and Doncaster winner Vision And Power at $5.50.

Craig Newitt will ride Pompeii Ruler who drew nicely in barrier four in the 14-horse field plus one emergency, Sir Slick.

The Price stable will also saddle up last-start Easter Cup winner Miss Maren ($16) in the weight-for-age feature.

She drew barrier two and will be ridden by Danny Nikolic replacing Glen Boss who sticks with the David Hayes-trained Largo Lad ($18).

"It's a longshot throw at the stumps I reckon but she's in sparkling order," Price said.

"It's probably not one of my brightest ideas, but if she can run a place I'll be happy as it will enhance her value as a broodmare."

Miss Maren is also heading to Queensland after the Queen Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, Price is looking for a big improvement from Light Fantastic in Saturday's All-Aged Stakes (1400m) after his 10th in the Ryder on a heavy track.

"Light Fantastic worked super last Saturday morning. I'm happy to turn him into a sprinter, a 1200 metre-1400 metre horse," he said.

"It's just a matter of how much he's got left in him this preparation."

Light Fantastic drew barrier one in the field of 15 plus one emergency and is at $14.

Newitt sticks with the grey who two starts back looked home in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield before being collared late by subsequent Australian Cup winner Niconero.

All Silent is $4.80 favourite ahead of Hot Danish at $5.50, with Racing To Win and Danleigh at $7.50.