Casino Prince stayer Escado has returned to form with a fighting victory in the G3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) at the Gold Coast.
Sooled to the front by jockey Ben Melham at the top of the straight, the Victorian visitor denied Shoreham to score by a head. It was his first victory since a Group 1 triumph in the 2013 South Australian Derby.
“We enjoyed a good run and he built into the race strongly,” Melham said on Saturday. “He’s a much better horse when he’s got a trail.”
Escado (5g Casino Prince – Secret Cause by Giant’s Causeway) was bred by managing part-owner John Ferguson of Kineld Thoroughbreds in Balnarring and he’s an older half-brother to G2 VRC Edward Manifold Stakes winner Se Sauver (Bel Esprit). Their dam foaled a three-quarter brother to Escado (by All Too Hard) last year.
Casino Prince sprinter Timeless Prince will also be set for black-type in Queensland after winning the Winter Dash (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday. Trainer Tony Newing will take him to Doomben for the LR Tattersall’s Mile on July 18.
“He needs to be held up and to come with one run,” Newing said. “It was a textbook ride by Winona (Costin). He’s a good traveller and will get some sun on his back up north.”
Timeless Prince (5g Casino Prince – Timeless Miss by Gilded Time) was an $8,000 buy for owner Stephen Clarke and the Winter Dash improved his record to 10 wins and $351,240 in prizemoney.
Casino Prince also weighed in with promising two year-old winner El Novio at Newcastle on Saturday. The Chris Waller trained colt cost Star Thoroughbreds $130,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions and he is from a half-sister to Caulfield Group 3 winner Fast ‘N’ Rocking.
Vinery Stud stands Casino Prince for a $13,200 (inc GST) fee alongside his Group 1 winning son All Too Hard. He was Australia’s Champion first-season sire in 2011-12 and has been represented by 81 winners of 133 races and $3.71 million this season.
