Prince Tycoon set to race with blinkers at Caulfield
The potential is evident, but Prince Tycoon has presented a consistent source of frustration for the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young stable.
As a result, Prince Tycoon will be seen wearing blinkers for the inaugural time when he participates in the Quayclean Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Prince Tycoon initiated his career with a spectacular performance at Caulfield in May of the previous year, which subsequently earned the then two-year-old a journey to Queensland for the Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000m) at the Gold Coast a mere 13 days later, ultimately finishing second.
These two strong showings provided the team with considerable optimism heading into the spring racing season. However, Prince Tycoon failed to meet expectations, finishing outside the top three on two occasions from three starts.
Following another spell, Prince Tycoon made a return with a dominant front-running win at Bendigo. He then raced in town, securing a third-place finish at Caulfield Heath over 1200m, prior to a close second in his most recent race, the Listed A R Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on July 4.
It was in the aftermath of that performance that the stable made the decision to apply blinkers.
"We're going to add a little bit of headgear to him on Saturday," Young confirmed.
"He was in front at Flemington last time and he just floated in and out when that horse (winner, Wise Inlaw) came up inside him.
"His last two gallops in the headgear have been good, so hopefully that will work on Saturday and as he's got a bit of weight, we've gone with a claimer."
Ryan Houston will lighten Prince Tycoon's burden by 2kg, bringing his weight down to 57.5kg.
Young commented that Prince Tycoon had also been a source of concern due to his barrier manners, a situation that led to the gelding spending time with Julien Welsh.
She added that this period of 'education' had resulted in improved race performances this preparation.
"He's shown plenty, but he's just been a bit funny in the gates," Young explained.
"He's taken a bit of work. We had to send him to Julien Welsh and then got him back.
"This preparation, he's been excellent, he's behaved himself, he's filled out and he's doing everything right.
Hopefully the blinkers do the trick."
The Quayclean Handicap at Caulfield represents a key opportunity for Prince Tycoon. Explore the latest betting markets for the race.
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