It’s taken a long time to get Prince Turbo right again for another crack at racing, but the signs are encouraging for trainer Jason Miller after Monday’s Lark Hill trials.
After stretching out to win his 1450m heat by five lengths, the Vital Equine gelding moved one step closer to making a return after a lengthy layoff.
The lightly raced eight-year-old has not raced for nearly two years after going out a winner when he raced over 2000m at Belmont in 2020.
A winner in six of 21 starts and a Listed place getter in the 2019 Towton Cup (2200m), Prince Turbo has fought back courageously from multiple leg injuries.
“He’s done a couple of tendons and this is his third attempt,” Miller told The Races WA.
“I didn’t hold out much hope in getting him back, so he is doing a good job.
“He definitely has a bit of toughness about him.”
Prince Turbo is building a block of fitness after taking out a two horse trial a fortnight earlier.
Miller was happy enough with his latest effort, but offered a note of caution.
“You can only go up against what you got, but there wasn’t much in the trial,” Miller said.
“It’s hard to get a real good guide, but he did it well and was strong on the line.
“He did stretch out nicely, but you would have liked a couple of nice ones to go up against.
“But the signs are very encouraging and he pulled up fine.”
Miller says he’s still undecided when to unveil Prince Turbo for his return.
“I’m not sure, I might trial him again over 1450m,” Miller said.
“If I think his fitness levels are where I want them he might even go to the Diggers Cup.
“I’m still thinking about it at the moment, but that’s an option for him.
“We’ll see how he pulls up or he might go to a mile.”
Miller hopes Prince Turbo can make up for lost time in country cup staying events, races his missed after his latest setback.
“I thought he was going to be a real contender during the Kalgoorlie round and the country cup races,” Miller said.
“His biggest asset is he’s so tough which will take him a long way.”
The Diggers Cup is run over 1800m on Anzac Day, April 25.
