Price putting Rupee ahead of dollar chase

Brad Waters - Tuesday August 15

Trainer Mick Price says Lankan Rupee's wellbeing will come before a bid for a guaranteed start in the Group I Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield next month.

Advertisement
Lankan Rupee is likely to head to Adelaide for Saturday's Spring Stakes. Photo: Darryl Sherer

A five-time Group I winner, Lankan Rupee is a chance to be balloted out of the Memsie Stakes because a clause in the rules that states horses that have not won $90,000 or more in a single performance in the past two years would miss a start if the race attracted 16 qualified runners.

The Memsie Stakes is attractive to many of Australia's top horses with $1 million on offer in a race that will not feature champion mare Winx, leaving Racing Victoria expecting a full field in the September 2 race.

Lankan Rupee has had four starts in the qualifying period with his best result being a $45,000 cheque for his fourth in last year's Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington.

The former horse of the year would book a place in the Memsie Stakes field if he won Saturday's PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield but Price said he would probably stick to his original plan of taking Lankan Rupee to Adelaide for the Group III Spring Stakes (1200m).

Lankan Rupee ran a solid second when resuming in the Group III Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Sandown on August 6 but Price said the 1400m of the Lawrence Stakes was unlikely to suit Lankan Rupee second-up.

"I nommed him for the Lawrence to give myself an option and have a think about it but the Spring Stakes, the trip away and the 1200m, I think it's better for the horse," Price said.

"The horse comes first and a trip interstate, 1200m away from him will stimulate him up a bit because he hasn't been out of the stable for a long time.

"I reckon I'll take him to Adelaide and I reckon he'll be hard to beat.

"If he flukes a run in the Memsie with less than 16 runners, fair enough but if there's 16 above him that have that $90,000 clause, well he doesn't get a run."

A win in the Spring Stakes would add $76,800 to Lankan Rupee's $4.1 million in prizemoney
Advertisment
More Reading...
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Dollars coming out for Rupee in Bletchingly Stakes betting
Punters seem to be pleased an old favourite is returning in Saturday’s Group III Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Rupee off to Adelaide for second-up run
Adelaide is likely to be the next stop for five-time Group I winner Lankan Rupee after his impressive return to racing at Sandown on Sunday.
Inglis Digital Now Online - G1 Winner Velocious the Star
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) has been joined by a host of outstanding racing and breeding prospects in a tantalising Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale catalogue.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Ole Kirk’s Daughter Ole Dancer
Successful in the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic at Murray Bridge on debut back in March, the Peter Moody and Katherine Colemen trained filly Ole Dancer resumed at Sandown on Saturday, winning the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m) to remain unbeaten.
Exciting Farnan Colt Wins for Mulberry Racing
A standout in the mounting yard on type at Randwick on Saturday, Farnan colt Nashville Jack has also been an eye-catcher at the recent trials in Sydney and he delivered on potential when resuming from a spell with a stylish win.
Consecutive Black Type Victories For Snitzel Filly Bridal Waltz
Stepping up to open company is always a tough task, but 3yo Snitzel filly Bridal Waltz graduated from a last start Listed win over her own age to win the $200,000 Group 3 MRC Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at the Warwick Farm trials with some of the big banger older stars in action and some exciting rising three year-olds that include a filly that has potential superstar written all over her.