Noonan's mature ride gets Netherfield home

Jockey Jake Noonan has become an integral part of trainer Mick Price's stable.

The pair combined with Netherfield to win the Alan Wicks Handicap at Caulfield on Tuesday following a ride Price described as mature and cool.

Noonan has been with Price over the past two years and believes he's ridden more winners for the trainer than any other, but knows he won't always get the pick of the crop.

Settling the $2.70 favourite at the tail of the field, Noonan allowed Netherfield to work into the race before straightening and he went on to score a 1-1/4 length win from Andrea Mantegna ($4.40) with Hot Ruby ($7.50) a neck away third.

Price described Noonan as a toiler who rides well, but can't ride below 55kg.

"He would have had a lettuce leaf yesterday to ride at 55 and was a half-kilo over which I was happy with," Price said.

"When Dale Smith went off selling houses there was a little spot open and he rides a lot of work and trials on a Saturday and a Tuesday.

"He's a toiler but a good jockey and we put him on when we can.

"He's a good part of the team."

Price intends to take advantage of the $120,000 prize money on offer for races at 2000m and beyond at Melbourne Saturday and public holiday metropolitan races with Netherfield.

"In Victoria with these 2000-metre $120,000 races he's got a lot of options in front of him for a 74 or 75 rated horse, so we'll find the right races," Price said.

"The return for the ownership group should be good.

"I think 2000 metres will be good for him as you can't do a great deal with him but I think if we can space his runs and be kind to him, he'll do the rest."