Inglis Millennium winner Prime Star will be aimed towards more Autumn Carnival riches after handling the heavy track conditions to perfection at Warwick Farm today.
Prime Star, above in red and yellow colours, wins the 2020 Inglis Millennium for the 2yos at Warwick Farm. Photo by Steve Hart.
English jockey Tom Marquand had Prime Star quickly into stride from the outset in the $2m Inglis Millennium – 2yos (1100m) and said that the Starspanglebanner gelding travelled well on the bit in third and fourth position on the heavy track.
“In about three strides (he handled the wet track). On this ground when it is this bad if they can’t jump and travel you are cooked from the word go,” Marquand said.
“He jumped up into the bridle, he takes it all in his stride.”
Marquand eased Prime Star ($18) into the clear at the top of the straight and the Richard and Michael Freedman trained youngster was able to claim a head victory over Bella Nipotina ($8.50) with Larimer Street ($19) filling third spot.
While Michael Freedman thinks that Prime Star might not be up to finding a place in the Group 1 $3.5m Longines Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on March 21, he said that there would be plenty of other suitable races over the Autumn Carnival.
“We will to rethink what we do with him from here,” co-trainer Michael Freedman said.
“If he comes through today okay we will certainly look at some of the upcoming two year old races.”
“He is probably a long way off getting into a Slipper or anything like that but there are lots of options for two year olds outside of the Slipper.”
“If he goes home and has a good week we will reconsider.”
“Even if he doesn’t win another one, he was a $55,000 purchase and it is just a big thrill for us.”
The James Cummings trained Marnix was sent out as the $4.40 favourite but was never in the hunt and finished in tenth position in the field that was reduced to twelve runners following the scratchings of Fayerra and Slice Of Heaven at the barriers.
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