Phillip Stokes sets sights on Caulfield Guineas with Prinzerro

The dream of a Caulfield Guineas start for Prinzerro is alive after the colt broke through for his maiden win at Sandown.

Trainer Phillip Stokes said the three-year-old would head to the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday week after taking out the Ladbrokes Mates Mode Plate (1300m) on Wednesday.

Sent out the $2.70 Boombet favourite under Jamie Kah, Prinzerro scored by 1-½ lengths from Zondee ($7) with The Jester’s Son ($10) a half-length away third.

Prinzerro showed a touch of class at his previous outing at Moonee Valley when runner-up to Scentify who last Saturday finished runner-up to Caulfield Guineas favourite Steparty at Moonee Valley.

Stokes said Wednesday’s win was well-deserved.

“He’s a real trier this horse,” Stokes said.

“To get the win today is great. We’ll go to the Prelude in 10 days’ time now and see where he sits.”

Pressed as to whether the 2023 Caulfield Guineas would come under consideration, Stokes said, ‘Why not’.

“He’s still an entire, so we’ll live the dream,” Stokes said.

“He’s a lovely horse, he’s got a great temperament, and I don’t think 1400 metres, or a mile, will be a problem.

“He’s very versatile.”

Kah said Prinzerro had taken a lot of improvement from the first time she rode the colt at Moonee Valley to being successful at Sandown on Wednesday, albeit in maiden company.

And what Kah liked about the victory was the colt had to do work at both ends of the race.

“He had to cross them early, but I just loved the way he kept trying,” Kah said.

“I didn’t ask him much late, but he was really strong to the line.

“He’s still got a bit of fitness improvement as well and I wish all colts are like that. He’s so well-behaved and does everything right.”

Kah later a completed a double scoring aboard Von Hauke in the Quayclean Handicap (1300m).