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By Ray Hickson

The ‘deep end’ awaits Robert and Luke Price’s stable star Count De Rupee in a matter of weeks but the Kembla Grange training partnership has an open mind about what his autumn targets might be.

Luke (left) and Robert Price celebrate Count De Rupee's win in the TAB Gong. (Pic: Steve Hart)

Shortly after the four-year-old completed a superb spring with a popular win in the $1 million The Gong (1600m) on his home track, Luke mentioned putting him on trial for an Everest slot in 2022.

That’s still on the radar and the trial could come as soon as his likely first-up mission of the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick on March 5.

“All the experts say it’s going to be a bit hot for us but we can only have a look,’’ Robert Price said.

“There are plenty of options but at this stage we’re happy to take on the better ones and see how we go.

“The Newmarket has come to mind but I don’t really want to travel with him. Luke’s already had the conversation with the handicapper and he thinks he might get under the radar handicap wise.”

Price confirmed the Golden Eagle runner-up has come back in fantastic order from his break and isn’t far off a barrier trial.

“He had a good six weeks off, a restful time and he enjoyed a bit of company,’’ he said.

“He had a paddock buddy and he was happy from the minute he landed in the paddock.

“He didn’t put on a lot of weight, he’s the sort of horse that does better in work but we’re happy with where he’s at.

“We can get away with unofficial trials at Kembla so there’s no rush in terms of that but he will probably have a quiet one in a couple of weeks.”

Count De Rupee has only contested one Group race in his 15 starts to date but has amassed just under $2.5 million for his connections.

While the Canterbury Stakes will be an Everest audition of sorts and a test at Group 1 level Price said he has to leave options on the table when it comes to programming given the horse’s versatility.

He’s a $15 chance in the Group 1 $3m Doncaster Mile (1600m) with TAB and $51 in the 2022 TAB Everest market.

“He was so strong over that Kembla mile and it puts in the back of your mind we don’t want to be wasting runs because he’s a money making machine,’’ he said.

“I’d love to win a Group 1 but in saying that the prizemoney is so attractive, you can follow the prizemoney. All the riches are in this state and I like the feeling of staying here.

“I’m leaving all the doors open because you can do that with a good horse.”

A Gold Coast trip didn’t work out for the Prices’ Group winning filly Jamaea but she’s being set for another shot at a Group 1 at the end of February.

Count De Rupee wins The Gong at Kembla Grange

This time it will be against the fillies in the Surround Stakes (1400m) on February 26 after she finished midfield in the Golden Rose in the spring.

Jamaea was beaten four lengths in the Magic Millions Guineas and Price said she had excuses there.

“We couldn’t have presented her any better on the day, she was perfect,’’ he said.

“But 18 horses around a saucer, we got back on the fence. If you’re looking for a plus it didn’t knock her around and she had a trip away.”

She’s set to trial at Warwick Farm on Friday then head to the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) on February 12 at Randwick, the scene of both her Group 2 wins to date.

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