TOUGH JOB DECIDING DUAL ACCEPTOR’S ROSEHILL TARGET

LUKE Price says it was a tough decision to make determining dual acceptor Island Dec’s mission at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

But he is confident the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m) is the right race.

Last start Canterbury winner Island Dec also was an acceptor for the slightly shorter Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) against her own sex.

Price trains in partnership with his father Rob at Kembla Grange, and each had their views on which race to target.

“Rob was keen on the Benchmark 78, which has a small field and is worth more prizemoney, and felt she would be a couple of lengths closer in the run,” Luke Price said today.

“But I felt Joe Pride’s horse (Big Red Tequila) was going to be very hard to beat, and the Midway looked the more winnable.

“Island Dec has drawn well, and it doesn’t appear to be the strongest Midway either.”

With Island Dec’s recent winning rider Tommy Berry away in Queensland on a family holiday, Adam Hyeronimus takes over.

“Whilst Adam has ridden Island Dec before, we’ve had plenty of luck with him,” Luke Price said.

“He will give her every chance to make it two in a row.”

Team Price takes three horses to Rosehill; also saddling Smashing Time for the Benchmark 88 Handicap (1200m), and Century Song for the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) for colts, geldings and entires.

Tyler Schiller rides Century Song, and apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald again partners Smashing Time.

Australian Bloodstock-raced Smashing Time chases a hat-trick after brilliant performances at the Gosford metropolitan meeting on May 9 and Rosehill on June 13.

Whilst the pacy four-year-old steps up from winning Midway Benchmark 72’s to a Benchmark 88, Price said there was a valid reason to attempt the feat.

“Smashing Time is not only dropping in weight, but a lot of weight,” he said.

“With Mollie’s 3kg claim, he comes down from 57kg to 52kg.

“And Smashing Time likes to get his own way in front, and he should be able to do that again.”

Team Price has made a slight but important gear change on Century Song.

Whereas he wore ear muffs pre-race only, now he will he wear them in the race.

“Tommy Berry says Century Song is the strongest pulling horse he has ever ridden,” Luke Price said.

“Century Song got a squeeze just after the start at Randwick last time and overraced, so it’s time for the ear muffs to stay on.

“He drew awkwardly last time, and is much better drawn this time.

“Century Song can be forgiven his last run. His form before that speaks for itself.”

Team Price also accepted with the gelding at Hawkesbury today, but opted for Rosehill when he drew off the track in a Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1100m).

Whilst the Price boys haven’t had more winners this season compared with last (21 wins against 29), that isn’t reflected in the stable’s metropolitan performances.

“It’s been a better season in town with seven winners against four last year,” Luke Price said.

“We’ll be doing our best on Saturday to finish the season on a high.”

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JULY 2, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS