Leading Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr look set to pay the late entry fee for the Group One Herbie Dyke Stakes with Knobelas (NZ) (Belardo) after her luckless third in the Aotearoa Classic.
Speaking to Racing.com, Price said the $750,000 Te Rapa feature over 2000 metres was firmly on the radar, with the late entry costing $17,000.
“It’s a $750,000 Group One. I have a very strong feel that mare has a strong 2000m in her. It was a very good run (on Saturday),” Price said.
“So, we will chase that and see how we go.
“I think we should continue on. She should be thereabouts (in the Herbie Dyke).
“I’ve got a very good girl here. I know every inch of the training centre that we are at. Lance Noble has been great with his assistance; he has helped me not make a mistake.
“She’s a lovely mare, she was born in New Zealand, she has come to Australia, and she is back in New Zealand.”
Price added that Craig Williams told connections Knobelas should have won had he shifted wider in the straight, rather than trying to pick paths through traffic. The OTI-trained mare flashed home late for third.
“She’s honest. She runs well every start. She is due for a little change of luck,” Price said.
A Sydney autumn campaign also remains in play.
“If she trained on, she will be Sydney autumn. She’s a four-year-old mare.
“My farrier has done a good job with her feet. She has been beautifully sound and free.”