STRATEGIC PRINCE, A CLASSIC
PROSPECT
Strategic Prince is firmly on the Sir Percy path after producing
a devastating display to land yesterday’s Veuve Cliquot Vintage
Stakes at Goodwood.
Stan James, sponsors of the 2,000 Guineas cut the son of Dansili
to 20-1 for next year’s classic, the same price as Aidan O’Brien’s
runner up Duke of Marmalade, Coral and Blue Square were marginally
less impressed offering 25-1.
Trainer Paul Cole, successful in this Group 2 contest with
Central Park and Putra, was understandably ecstatic in the winner’s
enclosure afterwards.
“This is a very decent horse. He has got bags of speed,
Eddie [Ahern] said he was always cruising and he has just run about
a bit when he has hit the front” said Cole.
“He is still a big baby and was green in front. You come
here for races like this hoping that you have a good one and that
they run well. But you hardly dare believe that they can go and win
like that. He is a Group horse and he had more experience than most
of them, but he still has some growing up to do.”
Jockey Ahern added “He idled a bit once we hit the front
but he has given me the feel of a very good horse today. The pace
in the race was a little slow and was not ideal. I committed
earlier than I wanted but he was travelling so well and took me to
the front. I could hear something coming at us through the final
furlong but I knew my fellow would pull out a bit more. He was only
doing just enough in fronts.
“He is big baby and things are coming easily to him, so
there has got to be improvement still to come.”
Cole immediately mentioned the Dewhurst as the logical target
for his 6-1 winner. Sir Percy took the Veuve Cliquot Vintage St
last year before triumphing in last autumn’s Dewhurst and going on
to victory in this year’s Derby.
The most remarkable player in yesterday’s victory celebrations
was bloodstock agent Angie Sykes. She was responsible for
purchasing 2005 Vintage St and subsequent Derby hero Sir Percy for
Marcus Tregoning and doubled up in spectacular style with Strategic
Prince yesterday.
Date:
03 August 2006