SIR PRIZE lived up to his name when a long shot 20/1 winner at Kempton on January 5th and he duly followed that up with another win at the Sunbury track yesterday, albeit at the shorter odds of 5/1.
As was the case earlier in the month, he was drawn wide and again Robert Winston held him up. The trip was a furlong shorter this time around at 1m 3f. There was little pace on early as nobody seemed keen to go on. This was borne out by the time of the race which was over 8 seconds slower than standard.
Last time, Sir Prize came from off the pace and wide and given the way the race panned out, he did well to win. Yesterday, he had an easier passage and Robert brought him with a withering run in the home straight as he beat the gambled-on 15/8 favourite, Ilhabella fact by a neck. It was a further 2 1/4 lengths back to the third horse, Singing Sheriff.
This was only the sixth run for Sir Prize who has had his problems, hence him being so lightly raced. He only went up two pounds last time and the handicapper cannot be too harsh on him given the victory by a neck, especially if he concurs with the Racing Post which described the race as “an ordinary handicap.” Congratulations to owners Michael and Heather Yarrow, whose son of Sir Percy was purchased for 115,000 guineas.
Yesterday’s victory by Sir Prize was the fourth success for Harper Lodge Farm this month, following the successes of Swiss Chime, Tropics and a previous win by Sir Prize. This equals the start made in January of last year.
The stable has plenty more horses to run on the all-weather this winter and will be looking to go into the new turf season with a few more wins against its name.