KEY POINTS:
Caulfield trainer Mick Price has declared his less-favoured runner as his preferred choice in today's Sandown Guineas.
TAB Sportsbet last night quoted El Mandon second favourite at $5.50 for the 1600m race but Price said he was keener on the chances of Schilling ($8) in the feature.
"They're both promising horses, but Schilling is certainly my preference," Price said.
"Schilling has had the best preparation. He's been set for this race but it might all come a bit quick for El Mandon."
Schilling graduated from a restricted class win at Cranbourne two starts ago to finish second to Zacroona in the group three Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at his next start at Flemington on Derby Day.
He has raced only five times but has so far posted two wins and two seconds, and with $73,320 is the fifth highest stakes earner in the Guineas.
Meanwhile, Lee Freedman rates Belcentra as good as Moon Dragon who won the Guineas in 2001.
"She is well and truly up to her," Freedman said.
Only Masked Assassin ($8) has earned more than Belcentra and she is the $3.80 favourite to give Freedman his third win in the race after winning with Scenic Warrior in 2000.
- AAP
