Prime Exhibit

Prime Exhibit, runner-up to Prince Of Dance in the Class 2 one-mile handicap at Salisbury on Monday, is also worthy of note. Mentioned here before when a good winner of a seven-furlong contest at Sandown in August, he did enjoy the run of the race here. Jimmy Fortune bounced him out of the gate, and quickly had him nicely settled in front on the far rail, dictating no more than an even early gallop. Fortune didn't panic when Ryan Moore and Marching Time went for home out in the centre of the track and Prince Of Dance followed, he just nudged the son of Selkirk into the bridle, travelled better than either of his two main rivals to the two-furlong pole, and didn't go for his horse until a furlong and a half out. Prince Of Dance had momentum and about a length advantage at that stage, but Prime Exhibit was responding and looked likely to close when the leader edged across him, causing Fortune to snatch up a little and manoeuvre around his rival. He did get going again, enough to hold favourite Secrecy at bay for the runner-up spot, but it was too close to the line for him to be able to challenge the winner. He is still progressive, he handles good ground as well as soft ground and, as long as the handicapper isn't too harsh, which he really shouldn't be, he will be of interest again in this grade or even slightly higher. He stayed the trip well, so they should be able to be a little more aggressive with him next time.

12th October 2009

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