Trainer Mick Price has warned punters Lankan Rupee is not a definite runner in the Newmarket Handicap for which he earned favouritism with his Oakleigh Plate win.

Price said he had to give serious thought to missing the race on March 8 in favour of the William Reid Stakes and the TJ Smith Stakes in Sydney in April.

The trainer said Lankan Rupee's stablemate Samaready would head to the race.

"I just have to have a think," Price told Melbourne radio RSN.

"Do you go to the Newmarket which is a tough 1200 (metres) and then into the William Reid at his fourth run?

"The TJ Smith is worth $2.5 million so why wouldn't you save enough fuel for the TJ Smith?

"Should you run in the Newmarket? Maybe yes, maybe no. I've got a bit of thinking to do.

"He's had two solid runs and if I give him a break now and then run him in the William Reid (1200m) and then the TJ Smith, he would be spot-on."

Price said Lankan Rupee's young stablemates Jabali and Cornrow, second and third in Saturday's Blue Diamond Stakes, would be set for a Sydney campaign and another bout against Earthquake.

"Both colts will have a week in the paddock and Jabali is definitely going to Sydney and Cornrow is probably going to Sydney," he said.