Party back for second shot

Party For One will not have everything in her favour as she did when breaking through recently for a long overdue at Flemington.

After registering one win for Joe Pride in Sydney from 16 starts, Party For One was sent to Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr in March and finally landed her second career win when successful at Flemington May 13.

That was the mare’s third start for Price and Kent Jnr and she returns to Flemington on Saturday for another 1400m race, the Good Friday Appeals Volunteers Thank You Trophy.

This time, Party For One rises 2.5kg in weight and will jump from barrier 13, rather than gate five when Blake Shinn guided her to a 1¾ length win.

“She’s talented and has a terrific last 400-metre sprint but needs things to work out,” Kent Jnr said.

“She’s one that has stuffed the start up several times, but Blake jumps on first time and she’s fifth, one out, travelling beautifully and that was the difference between winning and losing.

“She goes up in weight, but Blake is sticking with her and it’s the same sort of race.”

Even though Party For One will jump from barrier 13, Kent Jnr said the mare has the credentials to win, but it will require something special from Shinn.

Kent Jnr said Party For One had been slow away previously, and that will be something Shinn will have to keep in mind on Saturday.

“It is a sticky draw, but I am confident she will run well,” Kent Jnr said.

“If she gets the right run, I’m confident she will attack the line.

“Sometimes in big fields, you get an artificial tempo which may help her from the draw to find a spot.

“If she is slow out, hopefully Blake can find a spot, even if it’s three wide with cover, that will be OK.”

Join us for VRC Community Race Day where we are offering the opportunity for all racegoers to have their photo taken with the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup before the Cup takes off around Australia and overseas for the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour. The Cup will be available in Saintly Place Glass Foyer between 1-1:45pm and in The Club Stand Lobby between 12-12:45pm for VRC Members. Tickets selling fast, don't miss out!