Walker Makes Most Of Guineas Opportunity

Michael Walker made the most of his one ride at Caulfield when he took out the Group One Thousand Guineas on Odeum.

Walker said he couldn’t remember being as confident of a win going into a major race.

“She’s a high class filly. She should be undefeated and she’s still got a lot to learn,” Walker said.

Odeum has now won three of her four starts and Walker says she should be undefeated as she was flattened when fifth two starts ago at Moonee Valley.

Walker said he was thankful trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior gave him the opportunity to ride the filly and he was not bitter about his lack of bookings on Saturday’s program.

“This is one of the toughest jurisdictions in the world. Everyone is a world-class rider. I’m not complaining,” Walker said.

Price was thrilled that Michael Kent Junior, who he has been in a training partnership with for 18 months, had celebrated his first Group One win.

“He’s a great asset. He’s a hamburger with the lot – he’s passionate, enthusiastic, hard working and he’s got integrity,” Price said.

Price said Odeum, a daughter of Written Tycoon, had bloomed over her spring campaign.

“I was wondering whether she was up to the Sydney fillies but her form was good,” Price said.

“She hasn’t missed a beat during the campaign.”

He was also thrilled for Walker, who rides work every Tuesday for the stable.

“He’s a very good horseman,” he said.

Price said Odeum had done enough for this campaign and would be spelled and brought back for the autumn.

Odeum ($9) defeated Personal ($16) by 1-3/4 lengths with Instant Celebrity ($4.20) another half-neck away third.