Michael Kent Jr tempers expectations on comeback sprinter What You Need
Trainer Michael Kent Jr has lamented the best of What You Need may not be seen as the sprinter makes his comeback at Flemington on Saturday.
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Trainer Michael Kent Jr has tempered expectations on What You Need in the Listed ATA/Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) at Flemington.
Unbeaten sprinter What You Need, a $3 favourite with TAB on Saturday, has been a work in progress the past 12 months after throat surgery to repair a breathing problem.
What You Need emerged as a Group 1 winner-in-waiting on the same race day last year, with victory in the Listed Sunlight Classic at Flemington, but best intentions and aspirations would be derailed by the breathing difficulty.
“The old What You Need would brain them but I’m sorry to say I don’t think we’ll see his potential,” Kent Jr said.
“He was definitely a Group 1 colt-in-the-making, he could run splits we haven’t seen before … we have done everything right by him, he’s had a good build-up, two jumpouts.
“He’s a race day horse, so we’re hoping he lights up under race day pressure but we couldn’t be confident with what he’s been through.”
The only true barometer for success after throat surgery is under race day pressure.
What You Need placed second in the 800m Cranbourne jump-out a fortnight ago, about five lengths behind Katsu.
Katsu is a $4.80 second favourite on Saturday.
Kent Jr, who trains in partnership with Mick Price, has three runners at Flemington, including Hedged in the Sunlight Classic and Golden Path in a 1400m Benchmark 84.
Hedged could cement a trip to Sydney with a strong performance in a crack Sunlight Classic field.
Estriella ($3.10), I Am Unstoppable ($4.80) and Stretan Angel ($5) dominate the market with TAB from Hedged ($8.50).
“It’s always going to be a strong race because it’s perfectly positioned on the calendar for nice three-year-olds to aim up towards the ($1m Group 2) Arrowfield Sprint,” Kent Jr said.
“It’s in a beautiful spot, hence why last year you had two Group 1 (quality) horses in What You Need and Benedetta fight it out, this year the same, Estriella looks top drawer, will be very hard to beat, but we’re delighted with our horse, he’s just got to take the next step up.”
Originally published as Michael Kent Jr tempers expectations on comeback sprinter What You Need
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