A lot has been expected of Prix De Turn from the outset of his racing career, but a drop in grade has finally afforded the three-year-old a breakthrough maiden win.
Under a perfect ride from Brian Higgins, Prix De Turn ($2.80) took out the Ladbrokes Mega Multi Plate (1500m) at Sandown on Wednesday, defeating the $2.60 favourite Savonia by three lengths with Man Of Heart ($5.50) a length away third.
After running second at Sandown on debut, Prix De Turn had his second start in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), finishing seventh to Anamoe.
Prix De Turn wound out his spring finishing eighth in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington and commenced his latest campaign, in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 12.
Higgins said it was satisfying to finally get a win on board, adding the three-year-old was possibly being held back by being a colt.
“He’s shown us the world and while he has been running in good races, he has been a little disappointing at times,” Higgins told racing.com.
“Although he wasn’t overly convincing today, he had a bit of a think about it when he got there, but when I asked him for the supreme effort, he went on with it which was good to see.
“I’ve been finding he’s been getting back and not competing as he’s got those things between his legs, and I think they get the better of him at some stages.”
Prix De Turn holds a nomination for the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 5 as well as the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 19.
“He’s got plenty of ability and I’ve got some good measuring sticks riding work for (Peter) Moody and he’s the right horse,” Higgins said.
“It’s just a matter of whether those things between his legs will let him down or not on the big occasion.
“That’s something for the team to work out.”
