Casino Prince mare Sweet Deal returned to form when she reeled in the leaders to score a value-added victory in the Hawkesbury Crown Gr.3 on Saturday.
A stable favourite of trainer John Thompson, she hadn’t been placed since winning the $1million The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle in November. Punters ignored that stat and backed her into a $2.80 favourite predicting class would prevail at the stand-alone meeting.
Sweet Deal timed the win to perfection for her ownership group managed by Calie Stone. The 6yo mare has been catalogued as Lot 58 for the Inglis Chairman’s Sale this Friday.
“That could be her last run for us,” Thompson said. “If someone does purchase her as broodmare you won’t see a better type anywhere in the land, she is a magnificent horse. I will recommend she should be kept in training for a Brisbane campaign. She would be well suited in races like the Dane Ripper and Tatt’s Tiara.”
Sweet Deal (6m Casino Prince – Dorothy Evelyn by Royal Academy) was a $67,500 buy at the 2016 Inglis Classic Sale and her other Group 3 strikes include the Tibbie Stakes, Triscay Stakes and Toy Show Quality. Her dam was a Canterbury winner for breeder Pip Cooper and she has retained the mare’s final foal, a 2yo colt by Casino Prince named Cuisenaire.
Winning jockey Nash Rawiller also has a lot of time for Sweet Deal. “She was my first winner back from Hong Kong and has jumped a few milestones for me along the way. She’s a Group 1 mare that just hasn’t quite been able to get there.
“I hope they get good money for her. If they don’t get $2million they should keep her racing!”
Sweet Deal has banked $1.47million from 11 wins in 42 starts and is a Top 5 earner for Casino Prince whose average progeny earnings are almost $93,000 per starter.
Casino Prince (Flying Spur) stands for a $5,500 service fee at Vinery with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
