Space Rider on the Australian Guineas trail | Just horse racing

Space Rider will be looking to build his Australian Guineas credentials when he lines up at Flemington.

The by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr. trained galloper runs in the Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday in the build-up to the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington two weeks later.

Space Rider will aim to join Planet Red in Guinea, Australia, after the stablemate posted an eye-catching second place behind Observer in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield last Saturday.

Ethan Brown, who rode Observer to victory, partners Space Rider in Saturday’s race after aboard the three-year-old in his maiden win in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on January 24.

“It was a big win at first. He was three wide, no coverage,” Kent Jr. said.

“He was there to be challenged but fought them all off, but it will get tougher from here on out, but Ethan Brown is hanging on.

“Chris Waller’s colt, Sixties, will be hard to beat. He seems to have come back really well, but our man is a lovely big moving horse who will really love Flemington.”

All three of Space Rider’s victories have come first, but Kent Jnr said the larger, more spacious Flemington circuit will suit the colt on Saturday rather than the tighter tracks he has previously raced on in second place.

Kent Jnr was delighted with the return of Planet Red to Caulfield last week.

Runners-up in the spring Caulfield Guineas, a race in which Space Rider finished 11th, Planet Red stormed home from the back of the field under Jamie Kah last Saturday.

“If he had pulled a softer gate, he would have landed a couple or two closer and it might have been interesting,” Kent Jr. said.

“He will do well in that series and we are looking forward to the Australian Guineas.”

*Existing customers only. 2nd race bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Responsible gambling.