STRATEGIC PRINCE EMBARKS ON THE PERCY TRAIL
Strategic Prince looks likely to follow the blueprint laid down
12 months ago after elevating himself to Gr.2 winning class in the
Vintage St at Goodwood yesterday.
The Veuve Cliquot-sponsored event had proved part of the
masterplan that led to Derby Success when Sir Percy held off Cool
Creek by a neck last year.
The Paul-Cole trained Strategic Prince’s winning distance was
identical as he took the spoils from Duke of Marmalade, prompting
his 2,000 Guineas price to be cut to 20-1 co-favourite (from 33) by
sponsors Stan James.
The Dansili colt, who was conceding 3lb to his rivals, could now
head to Newmarket on October 14 for the Dewhurst Stakes-another
event taken by the Derby winner last year.
Cole said “He’s a very mature horse, there’s nothing backward
about him and there’s never been anything to say that he’s needed
more time. I’ve always taken the view that is they’re coming along
nicely then don’t stop them. We’d have to look on the bright side –
things were against him today and he overcame them, and the second
horse is obviously very good.”
“There are only a couple of races to think about but one would
like to win the Dewhurst because he’s got a lot of speed. He’s
odds-on to get a mile and beyond next year.”
Although drawn in stall one, Eddie Ahern soon had his mount
holding a handy position behind the leader Kirklees, with Medicine
Path racing alongside him.
Ahern’s mount was full of running when hitting the front two
furlongs out and it was Duke of Marmalade who proved the biggest
threat as he came from off the pace to throw down his challenge in
the final furlong.
Ahern said “He was very good, the pace in the race was a bit
slow and wasn’t ideal. I committed earlier than I wanted and when
he was in front he was idling. However, when I came to the line the
other horse came to me and he went again – but the race was over
really.”
“Over six furlongs in the July Stakes he was very impressive. He
showed a real good turn of foot and picked up like a good horse,
and the extra furlong today suited.
He’s a big baby and things are coming easily to him so there has
got to be some improvement as well.”
Date:
03 August 2006