Michael Kent Jr sweating on scratching for Golden Mile favourite Golden Path

Trainer Michael Kent Jr says the Golden Mile is the perfect race for Golden Path but the favourite needs one scratching to make the field for the Bendigo feature.

Trainer Michael Kent Jr is sweating on a Listed Golden Mile (1600m) start for favourite and emergency Golden Path.

The emerging four-year-old, an eye-catcher first-up at Flemington last start, needs one scratching to make the cut on Saturday at Bendigo.

Golden Path is a $6 favourite with TAB from Belle Plaisir ($6.50), Foxy Frida ($7), Euphoric ($7), Makram ($7.50), and The Summit ($9).

“We always thought this race would appeal to him, a big track, mile, long striding horse, we just got to get a run now,” Kent Jr said.

“It’s a very big field, he’s clearly a nice top three chance, we’re very happy with the horse at home, he’s worked super going in.

“He’s out of the handicap by a number on ratings point but we think he’s got stakes potential clearly and he’s got to be in these nice races, it’s a nice race for him.”

Golden Path in first emergency for the Golden Mile at Bendigo. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Golden Path emerged last winter with a dominant Siverbowl Series Final win at Flemington.

The three-length romp at Flemington forced a spring campaign, with Golden Path fourth in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes and sixth in the Listed Seymour Cup.

He went back from a wide gate first-up at Flemington and motored into seventh with little luck, beaten 1½ lengths.

“His first two preps were basically one long prep joined together, he had a little freshen in between and we got him up in spring and he ran some very big races in stakes races,” Kent Jr said.

“He was in the deep end, he ran some good races but on the back of a proper spell and nice build up he’s really matured and improved, it was a very good first-up run, never had much room late and was closing strongly.

“Probably the ideal first-up run with a view to going to the mile second-up.”

Golden Path makes a mess of them in the last at Flemington 👏

A special win for @beau_mertens ❤️@MickPriceRacingpic.twitter.com/juOysYplGD

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) July 1, 2023

Kent Jr, who trains in partnership with Mick Price, has three other starters at Bendigo on Saturday including the unbeaten Moby Dick.

Moby Dick has trounced opposition in a Pakenham maiden and Benchmark 64.

The Toronado gelding, a $2.10 favourite in the 1100m 3YO Handicap on Saturday, has been set for the VOBIS Gold Sprint at Caulfield on April 28.

“He’s found two races in lower grade with a bit of pace on that really suited him and it’s a natural progression to go to town,” Kent Jr said.

“He’s an interesting horse, he’s probably the most improved horse in the stable, if you asked me six months ago ‘how’s he going’ I wouldn’t have known, he was in no man’s land, he wasn’t really impressing anybody.

“We have been patient with him, allowed him some time, he’s come back this prep and his action has really freed up and gee he can move, very happy with him … we haven’t seen the best of him.

The stable has interests in three states on Saturday, with runners in stakes races in Sydney and Adelaide.

Originally published as Michael Kent Jr sweating on scratching for Golden Mile favourite Golden Path