Veteran racehorse Satness is preparing to contest the Benchmark 68 Handicap (1400m) at Hawkesbury this Saturday, with trainer Luke Price confident that the eight-year-old remains competitive despite nearing 80 career starts. Satness, a son of Sweynesse, has amassed nine wins and 25 placings throughout his racing career, demonstrating consistent form for the Price stable.
Price, who co-trains with his father Rob, noted that Satness recovered well from a solid fourth-place finish at Kembla Grange last weekend, despite encountering significant interference during the race. “He’s an older boy now and performs well on short back-ups, so the one-week turnaround suits him,” Price said. With less early pace expected in the Hawkesbury field compared to Randwick, the stable has targeted this provincial meeting to suit Satness’s racing style. Satness will start from barrier four under 3kg apprentice rider Deon Le Roux.
Also entered for Saturday is Our Noble Boy, a three-year-old son of Headwater making his first start since April. Price expressed optimism about the colt’s potential ahead of his return, noting improvements in both physical and mental maturity. Our Noble Boy had one trial and a subsequent jump-out, during which he displayed better form than in his initial trial. “His work this week was very encouraging, and I’m confident he’s prepared to run well,” Price said.
In addition, Monte Shell, a filly by Exceed And Excel and now in her first preparation with the Prices after transferring from Bjorn Baker, will contest the Super Maiden 3YO Handicap (1000m) at Randwick. Price highlighted Monte Shell’s progress, particularly in her most recent race, attributing some of the improvement to recent gear changes, including the application of a tongue tie and removal of a shadow roll. Although the race appears strong on paper, Price remains hopeful the filly’s toughness and ongoing development will see her contend for victory.
Saturday’s program also features the return of Island Dec, a talented mare aiming to build towards a campaign that could culminate in The Warra, a notable race at Kembla Grange. Island Dec, rated as a $19 chance for her third race on the Randwick card, is among the stable’s key hopes. “It’s very exciting to have her back,” Price said. He added that achieving black-type success with Island Dec remains a focus and that the stable has historically enjoyed strong results at Kembla’s stand-alone meetings, including a previous win in The Gong with Count De Rupee.
The Prices are therefore set for an active and potentially rewarding Saturday across two racecourses, with multiple runners showing promising form as the spring racing season unfolds.