'The Prince' ready to take on 'The King'

The hopes of the central coastal region of New South Wales lie with six-year-old gelding The Black Prince as the TAB Inter Dominion Pacing Championships head to Newcastle on Sunday night.

The Roy Roots Jnr-trained pacer has an excellent strike rate at his home track of Newcastle where from 15 race starts, he has won 11 wins and been placed on three other occasions.

Amongst his 21 career victories was a win in this year’s Newcastle Mile and more recently he took out the Len Smith Mile at Tabcorp Park Menangle, where he clocked a sizzling 1:49.9.

Tonight, he comes up against the champion King of Swing in the third qualifying round of the Inter Dominion, but Roots is happy with his performances in the series so far.

“He has come through his Bathurst run well and is in perfect condition,” said Roots.

“He is by Bettors Delight, whose progeny back up well so that is not a concern for us.

“I was so pleased with his effort at Bathurst.

“I went up there knowing we had a horse capable of breaking the track record which he did in running third, but Expensive Ego was just too strong.

“And I know he will perform well tonight as there is just something about him and Newcastle; his record here is astounding, he always seems to do his best when at home.

“I know he has a challenging task coming up against King Of Swing and because he has some speedy horses drawn to his inside.

“But our plans will mirror those from Bathurst. Our driver Robbie Morris will be charging out of the gate and hopefully he will find the pegs.”

Roots believes The Black Prince is close to being at his best.

“I left him a little heavier in condition following the Len Smith Mile knowing that he had a big campaign ahead of him,” said Roots.

“I prefer him driven with cover, so if he can find the front, we would be happy to hand up to King Of Swing, if that is an option.

“We have certainly been on a magical ride with The Black Prince.

“Hopefully, he can gain enough points tonight to book his spot in the Final.

“Making an Inters final would tick off another box for me . . . and his owners.”

Click here to view the fields for Newcastle Sunday.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW