PRINCETON WINS AT THIRD START
Improving 3YO Princeton had the Mark Jones stable back in the winner’s enclosure at Addington on Friday, May 26, after a luckless night at Forbury on Thursday, May 25.
Mark found the markers early from the two gate with the Bettor’s Delight gelding, ending up with a three back trail until working into the clear early in the run home.
Princeton unwound well to wear down Franco Torres by a head at the end of the mobile 1950m in a 2:00.7 mile rate in the $7500 Mountain River Processors Mobile Pace.
“He might have one more start, then he’ll probably go to Blenheim, then go for a break and come back around Christmas,” Mark said.
“Max Bowden (co-owner) has been great like that. He gives you time,” he said.
“Princeton was doing things wrong early on but has just matured. We’ve always liked him.”
Mr Bowden races Princeton with wife Frances, and his son Lyndon.
Princeton is the third to race and third individual winner from Emcil, a Miles McCool mare from the same family as former star pacers Jack Cade (16 wins & $742,232) and Frederick (nine wins, 1:58.1).
Emcil who won three from 24 starts during her race career, left earlier winners in San Fran Lady and Union Buster.
“We lost her next two foals within a week, but she’s now in foal to Changeover,” Mr Bowden said.
Former NZ 2YO filly record holder Heather Castleton is likely to be put in foal after breaking early in the run home at Forbury Park on Thurday night.
“She’s disappointed me. I thought she’d be alright but she’s made a liar of me,” Mark said.
“She’s as good as Commander Jewel but doesn’t want to be a racehorse any more. She probably did too much as a two-year-old,” he said.
Village Anvil, who led up and tired in the run home as a commanding favourite first-up for the stable on Thursday, blew heavily afterwards and should be better for the outing.
Two-year-old pacer Alex is likely to be spelled after battling for sixth in the Vital Stock Foods Mobile Pace at Forbury.