Ken Casellas | Photo: Hamilton Content Creators
Champion reinsman Gary Hall Jnr went into the Vale Russell Stranger Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night with the firm intention of restraining Prince Of Pleasure from out wide at barrier eight at the start.
But when he glanced inwards in the late stages of the score-up he saw that the $1.85 favourite Swingband was being restrained from the No. 7 barrier.
“I was planning to go back and drive Prince Of Pleasure for one run,” said Hall. “But when I saw Swingband going back I made a rapid change of tactics. I’ve been going around for too long to let an opportunity like that to slip.”
So, Prince Of Pleasure, the $3.70 second fancy, began like a bullet and burst straight to the front in the 1730m sprint, with Swingband settling down in eleventh position.
After modest opening quarters of 29.3sec. and 29sec. Prince Of Pleasure gave his rivals little chance by sprinting over the final 400m sections in 27.7sec. and 28.2sec. Prince Of Pleasure rated 1.53.1 in winning by a length and a half from $15 chance Run For Mercy, with Swingband two lengths farther back in third place after being tenth at the bell and starting a three-wide move 650m from home.
Hall of Fame trainer Gary Hall Snr was delighted with Prince Of Pleasure’s splendid performance at his first appearance after a four-month absence.
“I knew he was going to go good,” he said. “He has suffered three bowed tendons but is now nice and sound. He is a star and will be set for the Fremantle Cup, WA Pacing Cup and the second Nullarbor slot race.”