Unbeaten Winsome Prince aims to continue his superb record at Bulli tonight but faces what owner-trainer Melinda Finn believes is his toughest challenge so far.
The boom pup (pictured), one of Australia’s most exciting sprinters, jumps from box seven in the night’s fifth race, the www.southernengines.com Sprint Series Heat One (400m).
Among the opposition is another highly promising newcomer, RonRay Spirit, who jumps from box three and is seeking his fourth consecutive victory.
Finn said her charge, who races at 400m for the first time in his career, would likely face a real battle.
“This is probably the biggest threat he’s faced so far,” she said.
“He is boxed well (but) obviously you need a bit of luck in 400 metre races. You’ve got to come out running and you can’t miss the kick.
“If he comes out of the boxes well I think he will be hard to beat, but this will be tough.”
Winsome Prince is returning to Bulli after securing a third straight victory there in October.
Since then the son of Barcia Bale has extended his record to 10 straight wins, including victories at Wentworth Park and a 25.19 run over 450m at Maitland on November 27.
Ray-spirit">RonRay">Ray Spirit won from box three over 472m at Bulli in September and enjoys his five visits to the South Coast track.
The Ray Steele-trained sprinter is a brother of Ray">Lady RonRay, who has won 13 out of 17 and is also one of the hottest prospects in NSW.
Ray-spirit">RonRay Spirit is perhaps not in his littermate’s class but has six wins from 11 starts, including three already at Bulli.
Winsome Prince, who is part of an exciting litter including Winsome Prince and Winsome Mission, was being primed for a crack at the forthcoming Group 1 Silver Chief Classic in Victoria.
Finn said, however, that her chasers would stay in NSW for potential tilts at January’s Group 1 Paws of Thunder and National Derby.
The Western Sydney-based owner-trainer said she is trying to ignore the excitement building around Winsome Prince and his littermates.
“I was nervous with him at Maitland,” she said.
“We just try and keep doing the same things with them all like free galloping up the straight.
“I just hope I can win a Group race with one of them.”
In other action at Bulli, one-turn specialist Natural Player looks a strong chance in race six.
Others to watch at Bulli include Dark Magnum in race eight and Sweet Release (race nine).
For Bulli Wednesday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
