Extreme Choice on song for Oakleigh Plate

Mick Price wants to see a quick load and getaway for Extreme Choice ahead of the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield.

With two prized three-year-olds in his care, Price saw the fortunes of Extreme Choice’s stablemate Flying Artie unravel in the barriers ahead of the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.

Flying Artie was favourite for the Group One sprint but became fractious in the barriers when The Quarterback flipped over which led to Faatinah, Orujo and The Quarterback all being scratched.

Price said Flying Artie had pulled up well following his seventh placing behind Terravista.

“He pulled up super even though he sat on his bum in the gates and had to sit in there cooking up for another five minutes,” Price said.

“I don’t know why he wasn’t pulled out (and inspected). It was a whole tale of woe that five minutes for everyone.

“He was upset, he pulled a bit, but it’s all systems go for the Newmarket.”

Price is happy with the preparation of Extreme Choice leading into Saturday’s Oakleigh Plate, 12 months after the colt beat Flying Artie in the Blue Diamond Stakes at the corresponding meeting.

“He had his main gallop on Saturday morning in company,” Price said.

“He worked over 1000 metres and ran very good time and pulled up good in the wind.

“This morning (Tuesday) on the course proper he was by himself and didn’t have such a hard gallop, but didn’t need to.

“He’ll go into the race very bright, very sound and he’s had a really good prep.”

Price has noticed a change in Extreme Choice from the spring three-year-old who won the Group One Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley first-up before running fifth in Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington behind Flying Artie.

“He’s quiet enough around the stable but he’s started to become a colt of late,” Price said.

“Not so much in spotting fillies, but how he looks.

“He’s a much more muscled young colt now and is starting to exert a little bit of masculinity which is a good sign.”