Mick Price could delay stable debut of import Visinari with concerns over conditions at Flemington

The likelihood of a firm track and hot weather on Saturday has trainer Mick Price weighing up whether to run import Visinari at Flemington.

Mick Price will decide on Saturday whether import Visinari will line up at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri

Mick Price is likely to err on the side of caution, wary about racing the intriguing import Visinari on a firm deck at Flemington.

Visinari, who opened $7.50 second favourite with TAB for the 1400m Benchmark 70 on Saturday, has made a good impression on Price despite only being in the stable a short time.

Visinari raced six times in England for a slick debut win, a Group 3 third and pair of creditable fourth-placed finishes to round out a promising two-year-old campaign.

Unfortunately the grey son of Dark Angel failed to fire at three, with a pair of duck eggs ultimately triggering the move to Australia.

Scone trainer Sam Kavanagh prepared Visinari for two starts before Australian owner Rob Ferguson, who bought the horse as a yearling, transferred the gelding to Price and co-trainer Michael Kent Jr.

“I would love to run Visinari, he’s a really interesting horse and we like him a lot, but we’re just going to have to have a think about the track,” Price said.

“His last start when he went to Sydney he jarred up, so for the benefit of his long-term future … he may not run.”

Melbourne is forecast to reach a windy 33 degrees on Saturday before an afternoon cool change.

“He’s a beautiful big import … and improved a lot in the 48 days we’ve had him,” Price said.

“I was really looking forward to running him but 30-plus degrees and 3.05pm (race) Saturday, how is that Flemington track going to be?

“I like him (Visinari) a lot, but you need to be a bit careful with these imports on firm Australian ground, we‘ll make a decision Saturday morning whether we run or not.

“He’s quite a big energetic horse, I think if you get the right circumstances for him he’ll show up.”

Price rates Enigma as the stable’s best chance at Flemington on Saturday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Price prepared 2010 Group 1 Goodwood winner Velocitea for businessman and breeder Ferguson, who combined with John Singleton and Gerry Harvey to make Magic Millions a juggernaut.

Visinari is one of five Price-Kent Jr Flemington acceptors, including last-start winners Media Empire and Enigma.

“I would say she (Enigma) would race very well, she’s had two good barrier experiences at her last two runs and I think 1200m will suit,” Price said.

“I think she’s my best chance on the day.”

Enigma has two wins and two seconds in four starts for the Price-Kent Jr stable.

Using a barrier blanket the past two starts (both wins) has helped to settle Enigma in the machine after a “bad” experience – rear gate snapping shut on her ribs – spooked the five-year-old mare.

Litchfield County and Tavidance rounds out the Price-Kent Jr team on Saturday.

Originally published as Mick Price could delay stable debut of import Visinari with concerns over conditions at Flemington