Lankan Rupee being aimed at potential Perth assault for Winterbottom Stakes

CHAMPION sprinter Lankan Rupee may head to Perth for the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in late November.

Moonee Valley Races

CHAMPION sprinter Lankan Rupee may head to Perth for the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) in late November.

Trainer Mick Price said the race may replace the aborted trip to Hong Kong for the international sprint, a prospect that was scrapped at the weekend.

“The West Australian Turf Club pays for the flight and it may be a race to follow the Moir Stakes, Manikato Stakes and VRC Sprint,” Price said.

Price watched Lankan Rupee gallop 1000m — his last 400m in 23.81s — on the course proper and said he was happy with the world’s highest-rated sprinter.

“Craig (Newitt) and I are really pleased with him. He had a bit of a blow and he’ll head to Moonee Valley next week for a gallop before the Moir.

“I just think he needs a bit more work.

“I hope Moonee Valley is not a tricky track for him. He has two Group 1s planned there so I hope it isn’t,” Price said.

Lankan Rupee was beaten first-up at the Valley in the McEwen Stakes a fortnight ago over 1000m.

“The extra 200m will suit,” Price said.

Originally published as Lankan Rupee being aimed at potential Perth assault for Winterbottom Stakes