Trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are weighing up a Queensland campaign for Prince Tycoon, but the first step is a successful debut at Caulfield this Saturday.
The promising colt is set to line up in the Next Payments Handicap (1100m), and a strong showing could see him booked for the $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000m) at the Gold Coast on May 23.
Originally entered for a midweek assignment at Caulfield Heath, Prince Tycoon was scratched due to an unfavourable gate. This weekend, however, he’ll step from barrier two with increased prize money up for grabs.
Young admitted the colt was unlikely to have matched it with Wednesday’s winner Frostnip, who dictated terms and sprinted away over 1000m.
“We just didn’t want him to be caught wide and working too hard,” Young said. “Looking at how the race panned out, that winner was simply too slick.”
Saturday presents a more appealing opportunity, especially with additional earnings potentially helping secure a spot in the lucrative Gold Coast feature.
“With a better draw and bigger stakes, this was a more strategic move,” Young explained. “Even winning midweek wouldn’t have earned him enough to be in the field up there.”
Three early scratchings – Brave Design, Green Spaces, and Salty Pearl – have reduced the field to eight, with half of them unraced heading into the Caulfield test.
“He’s got a bit of talent and came at a good price at Magic Millions,” Young said. “He’s trialled strongly and definitely has a nice engine.”
Daniel Moor, who was aboard when Prince Tycoon scored a jump-out win at Cranbourne on April 28, will again take the reins on race day.
For punters eager to back the debutant, it’s worth checking the latest odds and offers on Australia’s betting sites for value and specials ahead of Saturday’s contest.