Sentimental Prince’s affinity for jockey Robbie Fradd is expected to reignite the gelding’s winning attitude at Doomben.
Sentimental Prince started favourite in an 1800m race at the Sunshine Coast on January 28 on the strength of his two previous wins at Ipswich and Doomben.
But he laboured into sixth place, 2 1/2 lengths behind the in-form Arki.
Sentimental Prince will be having his first start since in Saturday’s Open Hcp (2000m).
Trainer Tony Gollan admits he was disappointed with his last run but believes he learned several things about the gelding.
“He is a big horse but I don’t know if he handles constant racing. I don’t think he handled the ten days back-up into the Sunshine Coast race,” Gollan said.
“I have given him a freshen-up and I think that will suit him.”
Gollan said Sentimental Prince could be a tricky horse to ride and Fradd was aboard for two recent wins.
“Sentimental Prince seems to get on well with him,” Gollan said.
“Robbie knows just how to ride him as he is a big striding horse and you have to get him out and going.
“Robbie was suspended last time and Jeff Lloyd rode him. I am not critical of Jeff’s ride but I reckon Sentimental Prince caught him by surprise.”
Gollan believes the 2000m is ideal for Sentimental Prince who has won four races since joining his stable last year.
“I think he would be an ideal horse for the Toowoomba Cup which is a race I have always wanted to win,” Gollan said.
Meanwhile, trainer Kelly Schweida hopes his run of luck with late entries can continue with Outraged in the race.
Schweida was on crutches at Eagle Farm on Wednesday after recent knee surgery but was upbeat about Outraged’s chances.
“I know he is in open company now but he was a late entry last week when he won a restricted race. I’ve had a bit of luck with late entries recently and he drops sharply in weights,” Schweida said.
