Casino Prince sired his first black-type winner in Singapore courtesy of rising star Lim’s Cruiser on Friday night.
Visiting Hong Kong jockey Karis Teeton speared Lim’s Cruiser through a gap to deliver a domestic Group 2 for his sire in the E W Barker Trophy (1400m) at Kranji. Once in the clear, he raced away to score by over a length.
Vinery resident Casino Prince is a prolific winner-getter in Australia and his stats are augmented by numerous winners in Asia. The best of his Singapore gallopers has been His Knight Wager who was also runner-up in last year’s G2 Stewards’ Cup.
Lim’s Cruiser (4g Casino Prince – Hope Downs by Good Journey) has won 4 times in his last 5 starts at Kranji. And he protested unsuccessfully after that sole loss on October 14.
“I had a lot of confidence in this horse,” said Teetan. “He was a bit keen in the run but then dropped his head and came back underneath me. I had committed to the inside run and, once he found daylight, he lengthened for a very nice solid win. He’s the type of horse who will keep improving with more racing.”
Former champion jockey Mick Dittman purchased Lim’s Cruiser for $100,000 on behalf of owner Mr Lim Siah Mong at the 2015 Magic Millions National Racehorse Sale. He’s from an unraced daughter of South African Group 1 winning mare Battle Maiden.
Trainer Stephen Gray, who won the 2014 E W Barker with Mossman gelding Born To Fly, admitted he wanted to look away when Teeton was bailed up in the straight. “But Karis punched him through and he was too good. I said this horse was a Group 1 winner from Day 1 and he’s on his way after tonight’s win.”
Casino Prince has sired 42 individual winners in Australia since August 1 and is on track to better his PB of 104 from last season. He stands at Vinery for an $11,000 (inc gst) service fee.
