Foreign Prince set to take up the running again

Trainer David Payne says Foreign Prince will revert to his usual front-running style of racing in Thursday’s $160,000, Listed McKimms Real Estate Grafton Cup (2350m).

The High Chaparral five-year-old was ridden quietly in the Winter Cup (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on July 2, but Jason Collett felt he’d be better trying to win by dictating the race up front despite jumping out of gate 15.

“We tried something different last run and I don’t think he appreciated it and this soft surface is where he races best,” Payne said. “I wanted to keep the same jockey on because he said to me that the horse would be better rolling [forward] and he knows him better now.

“He’s drawn a bit awkward but we’ll ride him in his usual pattern and go forward and hopefully get a lead unless they’re going too quick and he’ll sit in behind one or two.”

Foreign Price is Payne’s first Grafton Cup runner and despite the race being a good fit for his ‘grand final’ this preparation, it wasn’t in the trainer’s initial plans.

But the horse’s form continued to improve as he rose in distance this campaign and Payne said the race was there for the taking this year.

“He’s fit and well and he’s a versatile horse who is so honest. He always puts his best foot forward and tries his hardest,” Payne said.

“I don’t think it [distance] will worry him because he’s such a relaxed horse once he gets in front. We just need a bit of luck and it would be lovely to win.”

Top-rated horses in the race, along with Foreign Prince, are Index Linked and Malice along with a host of Queensland invaders such as Amexed and Jumbo Prince.

[13/07/2016]

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