Mick Price has mapped out a three-run spring campaign for his runaway Queensland Derby winner Warmonger (NZ) (War Decree), with the Caulfield Cup his main aim.
Price said Warmonger, who won the Queensland Derby by 10 lengths at his last start, would be entered for the Melbourne Cup but he queried whether he would be ready to handle the rigours of the 3200m event in this early stage of his career.
“I’m not sure he’s mature enough for the Melbourne Cup as it’s a gruelling race,” the co-trainer said.
Price said he had had a conversation with Warmonger’s managing owner OTI’s Terry Henderson regarding the longevity of the horse’s career and that the Melbourne Cup may not suit him at this stage.
Price said Warmonger, who is $18 for the Melbourne Cup with Sportsbet, will be entered for the Melbourne Cup.
He pointed out that in 2019 Vow And Declare raced successfully in Queensland as a three-year-old before returning for the Melbourne spring where he finished fourth in the Turnbull Stakes, second in the Caulfield Cup and first in the Melbourne Cup.
“Vow And Declare had good Queensland form and he did it in the spring.”
Price said Warmonger would return to racing in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington on September 14.
“Then he can have three weeks into the Turnbull Stakes and two weeks into the Caulfield Cup,” Price said.
Warmonger is $15 with Sportsbet to win the Caulfield Cup.
