Butler hopes for Prince
Gerard Butler is hoping Prince Alzain can continue to show his liking for the Polytrack when he heads to Dundalk on Friday.
Last Updated: 04/10/12 3:10pm
Trainer Gerard Butler is hoping Prince Alzain can continue to show his liking for the Polytrack when he lines-up for the Diamond Stakes at Dundalk on Friday.
The three-year-old has won three on the all-weather at Wolverhampton and was a creditable third when stepped up to Group Two company for the Anatolia Trophy in Turkey last time out.
"He travelled over very well, he's settled in, had light exercise this morning and he'll do the same again tomorrow morning," said Butler.
"We're very hopeful. He's a nice horse on the all-weather surface. It's a competitive race as you'd expect, but we're confident he'll run a very good race for us."
There is another British raider in the shape of Black Spirit and his handler Clive Cox is also expecting a big run.
The Lambourn trainer reports the five-year-old to be at "the top of his game" after wins at Doncaster and Newbury last month.
"I was delighted with his win in the Arc Trial at Newbury. He's in good order and it's great he doesn't have a penalty here," said Cox.
"He's proved suited to the all-weather surface at Lingfield in the Winter Derby (fourth to Premio Loco) and he's at the top of his game.
"He's travelled over well and I'd be hopeful of a big run."
Light Heavy is likely to have his last run of the year in the Group Three heat, according to trainer Jim Bolger.
The three-year-old colt, who began his season with a victory at Leopardstown in March, was fourth to Snow Fairy in the Irish Champion Stakes back at the Dublin track four weeks ago.
"He goes to Dundalk and on Friday and that could be his last race of the year," said Bolger.