From the moment Reserve Bank wrapped up his spring campaign, trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr had their sights set on a lucrative three-year-old sprint at Flemington.

That highly anticipated race takes place this Saturday, where both Reserve Bank and stablemate Hot Digity Boom will line up in the $1 million Inglis Sprint (1200m).

Kent Jnr revealed that Reserve Bank had been meticulously prepared for this event after finishing his spring season on a rain-affected track at Caulfield in October.

“He’s a very talented horse who was beaten by the narrowest of margins in a Group 2 at Flemington before one last start ahead of a spell, and he’s returned an even better horse,” Kent Jnr said.

“When you target a significant race first-up, it’s crucial that everything falls into place, and fortunately, that’s exactly what’s happened.

“His preparation has been flawless. He’s got a fantastic temperament, and his trial was sharp.

“He’s drawn wide down the straight, which suits his big galloping action, and if everything goes to plan, he’s a genuine contender in a high-stakes race.”

Reserve Bank has undergone two jump-outs at Cranbourne in readiness for Saturday’s return.

He finished behind last week’s Caulfield winner Samangu in his first on February 10 before securing a win over 800m on February 17.

Kent Jnr noted that if all goes well on Saturday, Reserve Bank is likely to progress to Stakes races, potentially securing his future as a sire.

“He’s still an entire, and we have big aspirations,” Kent Jnr said.

“We hold him in high regard, and Saturday will tell us more about his potential. If he performs well, we’ll aim even higher.”

Price and Kent Jnr will also be under extra pressure with Hot Digity Boom, who is in pursuit of a $200,000 bonus for horses owned by an all-female syndicate, which includes Price’s daughters.

“There are about five or six Ladies Bonus horses in the race, and the first among them to cross the finish line claims the $200,000 prize, so we could finish tenth and still collect, which is a fantastic incentive,” Kent Jnr said.

“Things didn’t go his way first-up. He found himself stuck on the inside, and it turned into an unusual race.

“He also had a minor foot issue after the run, but we feel he’s in great shape for this race, though he has drawn an inside gate again.

“He has a powerful finish, so we wouldn’t be shocked if he runs a big race.”

Their chances have improved slightly following trainer Chris Waller’s decision to withdraw race favorite Gratsby from the field after a recent 800m jump-out, where he finished third behind Joliestar and Traffic Warden.

Waller explained that Gratsby will instead target the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 8.

“It’s unfortunate as this looked like a great opportunity, but he’s a colt, and we want to give him the best chance in the Newmarket,” Waller said.

“If he can get in with a light weight, he’s a very capable horse.”