James Winks expects Maribyrnong Plate winner Prompt Return to stamp himself as a genuine Blue Diamond Stakes contender when he resumes in the Chairman’s Stakes at Sandown.
While he’s keeping his excitement in check, Winks believes the colt, who he rode to two wins in the spring, is capable of giving the Group One Blue Diamond a shake.
Prompt Return
“To win a Diamond you would have to win on Saturday and then progress,” Winks said.
“But I would expect him to win pretty comfortably on Saturday.”
Prompt Return has barrier seven in a field of nine for Saturday’s Group Three Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown and is the $3 favourite.
Merson Cooper Stakes winner Thurlow is at $3.70 while Haybah, who was second to Fontiton last start, is at $4.20.
Winks, who has also won juvenile races this season aboard the highly-rated Headwater and Ragazzo Del Corsa, believes Prompt Return’s form speaks for itself.
“He’s right up the top just with what he’s been able to achieve,” Winks said of Prompt Return.
“I was fortunate enough to ride Headwater and he’s very good as well. I don’t like comparing horses, it’s not my style, so time will tell which is the better one.”
The Danny O’Brien-trained Prompt Return won at Bendigo on debut before scoring by two lengths in the Group Three Maribyrnong Plate at Flemington.
He was defeated at Ballarat at the end of his preparation in the Magic Millions Clockwise Classic, finishing second behind the Gai Waterhouse-trained Carriages.
Winks said the son of Beneteau had trialled well in his jumpouts ahead of Saturday and there was a lot to like about him on type as well.
“He’s the best looking two-year-old I’ve seen for a long time,” Winks said.
“He’s a big, strong, powerful unit. He’s got a great temperament. He jumps, travels, relaxes and gives you a good kick.
“There’s not much more you can ask for, as a jockey.”
