1 week ago
8
PRINCE ROY had a troubled trip when losing the six-furlong Sir Howard Stakes by three-quarter length to HONOUR PRINCE, a loss he should avenge at seven furlongs in Saturday’s Prince Consort Stakes.
Running fifth along the rail down the backstretch while speedy ANOTHER ONE set the pace ahead of SENSATIONAL SOUL and STRONG MIND, PRINCE ROY actually swooped within striking distance coming off the home turn.
However, STRONG MIND darted to the rail two furlongs out, taking PRINCE ROY’s ground, forcing Reyan Lewis to change lanes while HONOUR PRINCE was under a full drive by Phillip Parchment, attacking leader ANOTHER ONE.
PRINCE ROY, a seven-length victor when getting off the mark at six and a half furlongs in his previous race, closed willingly to get within three-quarter length of HONOUR PRINCE, catching the winner with every stride before the post intervened.
A clean trip should give PRINCE ROY the measure of HONOUR PRINCE, STRONG MIND, and MARK MY IDENTITY. PRINCE ROY’s improvement was magnified when winning on his third start, turning the tables on SENSATIONAL SOUL, who had beaten him by almost five lengths on his second outing.
Jason DaCosta’s pair, I DREAM AGAIN and RUNAWAY STAR are hunting back-to-back wins. I DREAM AGAIN made all at five and a half furlongs, winning in 1:08.0 on his March 5 debut. I DREAM AGAIN’s running style suggests he will be up with the leaders, STRONG MIND and HONOUR PRINCE, a pace which should collapse at seven furlongs.
PRINCE ROY, sired by Here Comes Ben out of the Legal Process mare, Princess Shine, makes him a half-brother to Prince Marshall, a decent middle-distance runner during his time. His Sir Howard Stakes run suggests he should be the horse to beat at the extended trip.
Meanwhile, the Thornbird Stakes should be a mere formality for Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes winner BURNING HEDGE, whose two outings this season were against Mouttet Mile runners.
English (US) ·