Prince of Wales Preview

Matt Rigby | Metropolitan Racing | Fri 21 October, 2011

Its an excellent Prince of Wales this year, with the lowest statke earner in the race being Morant at $256,000.

Waratah's Secret is all the rage at $2.10 despite being beaten at his two runs this campaign. Its an interesting market, considering that at his one run in the Bolton back in May, bookies were willing to take him on at almost each way odds against the heavily supported Power Princess. We won't ever know how that might have panned out as he fell from the starting gates, but $2.10 versus $5 for Power Princess in the Prince of Wales seems a bit skewiff.

Werd should get the front here with David Harrison already declaring that Waratah's Secret will be looking for a sit. The only other pace here is King Kool Kat, who could well be in the breeze. Power Princess will get the perfect run either third the fence or in the one by one. Waratah's Secret may drift back to midfield the fence, but Harvey will be wary of being trapped and may kick up.

Grand Nirvana and Morant will have no choice but to go back.

Werd can definitely give them some curry in front but one would think that Power Princess, sitting right in the slip stream, would be classy enough to get over him. Waratah's Secret may need Werd to leave the fence, which he has a tendency to do, in order to get the clear running he needs. For that reason, those two will be the hardest to beat.

Never discount Grand Nirvana. While his record at Ascot is not that flash, his first up card is great and his trial indicates he's right on track. Hall should suit the horse too.

Kid Choisir will find this a deal tougher than the races he contested during the winter.

Tips: Power Princess, Waratah's Secret, Grand Nirvana.

The value for me, Grand Nirvana at $8.50 and Werd each way at $12.