Prince Of Dance

The first and second in the Class 2 one-mile handicap at Salisbury on Monday, Prince Of Dance and Prime Exhibit, probably enjoyed the run of the race, in that they raced in first and second places in a race in which they were allowed dictate a sedate tempo, but both are still worthy of note. The winner Prince Of Dance was a little free through the early part of the race, which was absolutely forgivable for a horse who hadn’t run in 149 days. Travelling well just a half a length behind Prime Exhibit until just outside the three-furlong pole, rider Richard Kingscote’s hand was forced a little when Ryan Moore and Marching Time kicked on on his outside. Kingscote quickly had the move covered, however, Prince Of Dance travelled better than the Stoute horse down to the final quarter-mile, and he picked up nicely when Kingscote asked him to go and win his race. He did drift towards the far side, and he didn’t do Prime Exhibit too many favours in so doing, but he kept on really well to post and impressive victory. As well as being his first run in 149 days, this was just the second run of Prince Of Dance’s life. Well backed on his only previous start, in a Newbury maiden run over seven furlongs last May, the son of Danehill Dancer was impressive in winning, despite running green, getting stronger as the race developed. A hairline fracture to his pelvis sustained then kept him off the track until Monday, but he showed no signs of ring-rustiness, and made light of a handicap mark of 94. He stays this mile trip well, he is obviously at home on easy ground, and he will be of big interest if he races again before the end of the season. Even if he doesn’t, he could prove to be very good next season.

12th October 2009