3 minute read

Ben Price can launch his 2023-24 season with his first Melbourne winner when he partners talented galloper Jean Valjean at Flemington on Saturday.

Ben Price, who rode 63 winners across SA last season and 32 in the city, stays with the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea galloper who comes off an emphatic return to racing when he flashed home from the back to win on the Parks track at Morphettville last month.

It will be Price's first ride at famous Flemington and Clarken said he couldn't fault the horse.

"He's super,'' Clarken said.

"It's a good chance to get him (Ben) over there and season him up. He rode him perfectly the other day, he's drawn a great gate and it looks like he'll settle a couple of pairs back and they should roll along a little bit,'' he said.

Clarken said he has no doubt Jean Valjean has the potential to mix it in Melbourne.

"I think he has the ability of a Stakes-class horse, if he can win one or two in Melbourne that would be ideal,'' Clarken said.

"Even though we haven't had him long, he's not a young horse, but it looks a very nice race for him on Saturday,'' he said.

Fellow South Australian Wild Imagination also returns to Melbourne chasing three consecutive wins for the Richard and Chantelle Jolly stable.

The mare was a Caulfield winner two starts back before she defied a big drift in betting to win on the Parks at Morphettville last time out.

Former local apprentice Zac Spain retains the ride.