Demon Darb, King Samuel take shot at Mornington Guineas

The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable will send two in form gallopers to the Mornington Guineas.

But they enter the race hopeful rather than confident of coming away with a major slice of the prize money on offer.

Demon Darb, to be ridden by Craig Newitt, and King Samuel, Daniel Moor, will line up in the 1600m on Saturday, their first shot at a metropolitan race.

King Samuel will be attempting to remain unbeaten after leading throughout to claim his maiden debut win at Kyneton before following it up with a win over Saturday’s distance at Kilmore.

“He’s been beating average horses and he still has to improve a bit,” Price said.

“But he toils away well, and I suppose you can only beat what you’ve been racing against.”

Demon Darb has spent most of his time under Price and Kent Jnr’s care down at their Warrnambool base under the watchful eye of Matthew Williams.

The Pierro gelding broke through for his maiden win at Warrnambool last month before running second at Hamilton on April 2.

Following that run, Demon Darb was transferred to his trainers Cranbourne stables to prepare for Saturday’s race.

“We change them around all the time depending on temperament and what we think is best for the horse,” Price said.

Price said that tactic had worked with Demon Darb who deserves his shot at a metropolitan race although the trainer is not convinced the tight Mornington circuit will suit Demon Dar.

However, Price is willing to give the gelding a shot at the good prize money on offer.

“I’m not sure that he’s suited to Mornington, but it’s a three-year-old race, it’s $150K and it’s worth having a punt,” Price said.

“I think he’s a 2000-metre horse. A big, strong type.”

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