Lankan Rupee building for The Everest

Not long after two Group One-winning three-year-olds left Mick Price’s stable, a multiple winner at the highest level made his return.

Price has lost Extreme Choice and Flying Artie to stud but is looking to Lankan Rupee to help fill the void.

The five-time Group One winner returned almost a month ago with Price hoping he can be one of the sprinters to secure a berth in The Everest at Randwick in October.

The winner of the 2014 TJ Smith over the same course and distance as The Everest, Lankan Rupee was spelled after two runs last spring after being diagnosed with a lesion on his off-fore suspensory ligament.

“He’s flying, he’s like a two-year-old bouncing around at home,” Price said.

“He had some rehab work for six or seven weeks and has been back at Caulfield for a bit over three weeks.

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“It will be a slow build-up for him. There isn’t anything for him in June but I want to get him up, have a look at him and get him a bit conditioned.

“It would be nice if he could run in the Monash or the Bletchingly and then have a breather to see what we can do in October.”

Price has already been in contact with the Australian Turf Club about Lankan Rupee representing the club in the Everest.

“I’ve spoken to James Heddo about negotiating for their spot when the time comes,” Price said.

Positions in the $10 million race are by subscription with Chautauqua also being set for the new event which is restricted to a field of 12.

Chautauqua succeeded Lankan Rupee as the world’s highest ranked sprinter and has won the past three TJ Smith Stakes.