Price believes 1400m will suit Mastering

Trainer Mick Price has high hopes Mastering can perform over 1400 metres at Caulfield.

Trainer Mick Price is keen to see Mastering over 1400 metres for the first time this preparation at Caulfield, believing the distance rise will be to the gelding’s liking.

Four-year-old Mastering won a 1200m-race at Kilmore by six lengths first-up this campaign in his first start as a gelding before starting favourite in a 1200m-straight race at Flemington at his most recent start when second to Usain Bowler.

Mastering was unplaced in two attempts at 1400m last campaign as a three-year-old but gets another opportunity over that distance in Saturday’s Fiona Jamieson Handicap, a benchmark-78 race, on his home track.

“I think that’s the right tempo for him,” Price said.

“He just gives me the impression in work and trials and racing that he wouldn’t want a really fast 1200 metres. I think that would catch him off the bridle.

“I hope I’m right because if he gets 1400 metres it opens up a lot of options for him and I think it’s better for him.

“(Jockey) Jake Noonan is of the same opinion also so we get to test that theory.”

Mastering was at $2 on Thursday, the shortest-priced favourite among the early markets for Saturday’s nine-race program.

“Jake rode him on Wednesday morning and he worked super,” Price said.

“He’s drawn a good gate (two) and he gets his chance again.

“He just needs a bit of luck from that barrier over the 1400 around Caulfield.

“He’s a long-striding horse so hopefully he doesn’t get tangled up, but he’s going really well.”