Instinction a natural for Australian Guineas

Mick Price knows what its takes to win the G1 VRC Australian Guineas having claimed the classic twice in the last four years.

Price and stable jockey Craig Newitt have a third in their sights with Thursday’s Listed Zeditave Stakes (1200m) winner Instinction.  They have already teamed up to win with Heart Of Dreams (2008) and Light Fantastic (2009).

Newitt trialled Instinction against Black Caviar last week and the colt did well against the world champion.  “He stood her up 15 lengths and got beat five or six,” Newitt said.  “He’s had a few problems but he’s come back really good and keeps improving with every preparation.”

The Zeditave completed a hat-trick of wins following victories in a Kyneton maiden and LR Hilton Hotels Stakes at Flemington last spring.  

Instinction (3c Exceed And Excel – De Lago Mist by Encosta de Lago) was a $300,000 yearling when offered by Three Bridges Thoroughbreds as agent for breeder Peter Katelanis.  He was the top priced lot on Day 1 of the 2010 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.

Instinction is by Darley sire Exceed And Excel and is the first foal of G2 VRC Sires Produce winner De Lago Mist.  It’s the family of G1 Newmarket Hcp winner Wanted and Adelaide G3 winner Shrapnel.