Racing: Dee earns high praise from Price

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Topline Melbourne trainer Mick Price has given former Wanganui apprentice Michael Dee the greatest seal of approval possible, and it is out of character.

Price is one of Australian racing's most agreeable participants, but he has learned from experience not to get his hopes high when it comes to apprentice jockeys.

Like everyone else, Price, a few years ago, was taken with Tasmanian apprentice Jason Maskiell who, after transferring to Price's stable, completely went off the rails.

In Michael Dee he sees someone who will not follow that same path.

Dee transferred to Australia last year and with his 2kg apprentice claim for city meetings he is in high demand. Price was taken with Dee's winning ride on Red Bomber at Caulfield on Saturday. What he particularly likes about the New Zealander is that he was readymade when he arrived in Australia.

"I don't usually wrap them because they can let you down," Price told journalists at Caulfield. "But he's good, this kid.

"He doesn't panic and seems to know where he is in the races, how much horse he's got underneath.

"He'd ridden 100 winners in New Zealand before he came to us. He came through with James McDonald, his father was a trainer ... all those Kiwi kids are fantastic."

By way of explanation, Price said it was difficult for big stables to nurture apprentices, so one as experienced as Michael Dee who can still claim an allowance was a blessing.

He has such faith in Dee that he has asked Racing Victoria to have the visiting jockey granted a permanent-licence.

"He just came here with saddle, ready to ride. He was the finished product. I've talked him up because I believe in him.

"He's going to be an asset in the riding ranks. He rides 51kg, he's an unflustered, laconic Kiwi kid ... who is there at the stables every morning."