Prince Tom

Prince Tom was another one to note in the Grade 3 Totescoop6 Heroes Handicap Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday, doing well to get into it from the back in a race that was dominated by those who raced handily (the first, second and third, occupied the first three places for more or less the entire race, possibly because the start was so ragged). He got squeezed out of it a bit turning out of the back straight, causing him to lose momentum in a race and on ground on which momentum was crucial as Dantari had made it such a test. He recovered well and kept on well to finish fifth in what was a very gruelling race, especially for a novice and considering he had been off for 10 weeks prior to this, and racing off a 13lb higher mark than the mark off which he raced when he won a novices’ handicap hurdle at Taunton over three miles on his previous start. The form of this race looks strong with two progressive sorts fighting out the finish, and Prince Tom would have done even better if given more of a chance to get into the race, as he was at Taunton when he was in front from some way out.

The King’s Theatre gelding remains progressive (it is interesting that Paul Nicholls has a good record in this race), he is only seven and he has raced just six times over hurdles, and his trainer’s horses have still not hit top form again. He has been dropped 2lb for this, which is more than fair, and should be up to winning more races as the season goes on. He may prefer a sounder surface as the ground was slower than the official description of good here. It was good ground when he won at Taunton and he has run well on good to firm in the past. He is interesting for the rest of the season.

5th February 2011