Racing: Bright future tipped for Kiwi-bred Grunt

Grunt will be looking to add to his black-type tally at Caulfield today. Photo / Bruno Cannatelli

Trainer Mick Price is eagerly awaiting today's group two P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield with a trio of gallopers set for spring riches - Grunt, Mighty Boss and Holy Snow - resuming.

His three four-year-old stallions have drawn alongside each other with Holy Snow in barrier five, Grunt in six and Mighty Boss in seven.

O'Reilly's group one-winning son Grunt is expected to be a major player at weight-for-age this spring and connections will be looking to further enhance the stallion credentials of the well-bred four-year-old.

"He's pretty spot on," Price said. "He has to get around Caulfield and he is a big track horse, so things have to work out for him.

"I'd like to see him with a bit of room before the corner sweeping into it and hopefully there is a bit of pace on.

"We want a proper tempo and for him to get out in plenty of time and be able to wind up and see how he goes. As long as he runs well, I will be happy. if there is something a bit sharper than him over 1400m then fair enough.

"I can't wait to get him to Flemington, as I think that's his real course."

Fellow Karaka graduate and group one Caulfield Guineas (1600m) winner Mighty Boss is also pleasing the Caulfield conditioner ahead of his resuming run. "I think Mighty Boss is going great, he probably has a bit of a better turn of foot than the other two, and he'll probably be in a bit more of a forward position.

"There's not a lot between them. I guess Grunt is going to be the one with the biggest future of the three."

Meanwhile, Price is hoping the inside draw will aid former New Zealand galloper Ardrossan to show his best form in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m).

"He's going well. I'm happy with him," he said. "We ran him as a three-year-old here and he hung out in his races. I think he might have needed a bit more time. He is a lovely strong four-year-old entire now.

"I think he will run really well from barrier one. I've got the blinkers on him because he is an entire and he might be starting to think about things a little bit."

- NZ Racing Desk