Trainer Mick Price has revealed that exciting two-year-old Cao Cao is on trial for a trip to the Gold Coast, when he lines up for the Super Vobis 2.y.o Plate (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Trainer Mick Price (pictured with Lankan Rupee) is pleased with Cao Cao ahead of his second career assignment on Saturday. Photo: Sarah Ebbett
Cao Cao was rated little chance of success when he lined up for the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) on debut on November 5th, but defied his critics when producing a smart late turn of foot to finish second behind Aspect.
One of only three horses included in Super Vobis 2.y.o Plate nominations that have already made a competitive appearance at the races, Price has been pleased with the form displayed by the Fastnet Rock colt and revealed that he will be set for the Magic Millions 2.y.o Classic (1200m) on January 14th if he performs to expectations on Saturday.
“Cao Cao has been a colt that we’ve had to discipline a bit, but his run down the straight (Maribyrnong Plate) was good,” Price told Racing Victoria.
“He’s going well, hopefully he wins or runs second on Saturday, gets his prizemoney up and we may end up at the Magic Millions.
“His behaviour is a lot better now.
“He’s become a bit professional, I’ve done a few different things with him and he’s started to tow the line a lot better, so I’m getting more confident that he is going to do the right thing and train on a bit.”
Price has also included debutant Royal Treasury in nominations for the Super Vobis 2.y.o Plate, but believes that Cao Cao represents his best chance of success in the two-year-old sprint.
“I worked them together, Royal Treasury and Cao Cao, and Cao Cao clearly had the filly covered,” Price said.
“(Royal Treasury) is a nice filly, and she can have a run on Saturday, but not sure how competitive she’ll be.
“I’m not sure now is her time, if she pulls up well from this morning’s gallop (Tuesday) I’ll run her, but she needs to run in the first three and run the race out to go on.”
The 2016 Super Vobis 2.y.o Plate field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, today (Wednesday, 23 November).
The Lindsay Park-trained Madeenaty is currently rated an outright $6 favourite in early 2017 Magic Millions 2.y.o Classic betting markets with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.
