Mick Price is direct to the point when it comes to discussing his horses, but when talking of Jamie Kah, it is like speaking to a proud father.
Kah teams with the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Ayrton in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday as the jockey searches for another feature win for the fourth straight week.
She teamed with Hayasugi to win the Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 24, followed up with Southport Tycoon in the Australian Guineas at Flemington on March 2, then last weekend won the Newmarket Handicap aboard Cylinder.
Price has worked with Kah for 10 years after she joined his then Caulfield stable on loan from Adelaide trainer John MacMillan when an apprentice.
“She asked to come and rode horses there and I remember at the time saying she holds keen horses well and gets them going well,” Price said.
“She is unusually gifted in my opinion and it’s refreshing to put her on a lot, because she is not forceful like a lot of the other jockeys.
“She’s not that forceful in her opinion in what she wants done and so many times, she just goes out and rides her horse.
“I think horses love to be ridden by J Kah because she’s still on them, she’s got still hands. She’s got strong hands, and they don’t move around.
“She’s got one hold and horses just feed into politely. I think she is a ‘this is how you should ride’ type of girl.”
Price said it was great to see Kah back to her best after her fall 12 months ago at Flemington that left her sidelines with a severe concussion and other injuries.
He said Kah was one of the best advertisements for racing, but at the same time hopes she looks after herself.
Price pointed to Kah being at Morphettville the day after her Newmarket victory last Saturday to help tutor young riders ahead of the Pony Races on Adelaide Cup Day.
She returned to Melbourne on Sunday to attend the wedding of Kent Jnr before returning to South Australia the next day to ride at the Adelaide Cup meeting, guiding home three winners.
“The greatest promotion she has is when she rides on race day,” Price said.
“I know the industry looks up to her as a bit of a figure to promote the game, especially the kids.
“You only have to watch her with young girls in the mounting yard, they love her.
“She takes time for them. I think she’s an inspiration.”
Price concedes Ayrton will need a bit more than a special ride from Kah if he is to pocket a major chunk of the All-Star Mile prizemoney.
“I can’t have him any better and he’s in the race to run as good as he can be,” Price said.
“There are two good Group 1 horses (Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni) that will take a good chunk of the market.
“Realistically, how to I beat those two, but you could make a case that he should have won the Blamey, and he does run well for Jamie.
“They will need to have an off day and for him to run to his very best to be winning, I think.”