Group 1 winner Vibrant Sun to tackle Group 2 Stocks Stakes at The Valley

Classy mare Vibrant Sun will stick to her own sex in a Group 2 contest at The Valley on Friday night as she continues her chase for a second Group 1 win in the spring.

Sticking to mares grade at The Valley on Friday night is all part of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr’s plan to post another Group 1 win with Vibrant Sun.

Price and Kent Jr nominated Vibrant Sun for the Group 2 Feehan Stakes but the likely presence of superstars Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside made the Group 2 Stocks Stakes a better option for the four-year-old.

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“The Feehan was only ever a nomination in case the raced dropped away but I don’t think that will be the case,” Price said.

“I think she will run against the mares (in the Stocks Stakes).”

Vibrant Sun developed into a top three-year-old filly last season, winning the Group 2 Alexandra Stakes at The Valley in March before a narrow win in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide in April.

Vibrant Sun will continue towards her spring Group 1 assignment via Friday night’s Group 2 Stocks Stakes at The Valley. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Winning the Australasian Oaks made Vibrant Sun a valuable mare but another Group 1 win would immeasurably boost her value.

Price and Kent Jr weighed up various lucrative assignments in both Melbourne and Sydney in the spring before deciding the spring goal for the daughter of The Autumn Sun.

“I think the Golden Eagle is too hard and fast for her,” Price said.

“I think the race on Derby Day, the Empire Rose (Stakes at Flemington) will be good for her and I think 2000m will be good.

It’s a 1-2-3 for @ArrowfieldStud’s THE AUTUMN SUN in the G1 Australasian Oaks! ☀️

VIBRANT SUN takes the prize for @MickPriceRacing@MichaelRhysKent and Mark Zahra! 💕pic.twitter.com/qLIXdCTDld

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) April 27, 2024

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“I’d like to target her at the Group 1 for fillies and mares, the Empire Rose and I think that will be ideal for her.

“Maybe there is another 2000m race for her after that.

“If she wins another Group 1, I think that will be the logical one racing against mares.”

Vibrant Sun finished more than eight lengths from the dominant winner Grinzinger Belle when she resumed in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes at Flemington on September 14.

However, Price said Vibrant Sun’s effort met stable expectations, adding she had progressed from the hitout.

“I thought it was fine. I didn’t have her ready as she has bigger fish to fry,” Price said.

“She’ll definitely come on. She’s going very well.

“She worked well on Saturday morning and I think you will see a very good run.”

Originally published as Group 1 winner Vibrant Sun to tackle Group 2 Stocks Stakes at The Valley