He isn’t the best horse in Bjorn Baker’s stable, but veteran sprinter Prime Candidate has a case for being one of the most enduring.
In his sixth season of racing, the eight-year-old has won eight of his 35 starts and managed another 10 minor placings and he continues to maintain his form despite kicking off his current campaign in May.
“He’s a gentleman to have around,” Baker said.
“He’s a lovely horse to train and he’s been a stable stalwart.”
Scratched from the Tramway Stakes last weekend due to the heavy track, Prime Candidate will take his place in Saturday’s Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill where he is a $10 chance.
He was only run down in the final strides by comeback galloper Showmanship over 1200m last start after getting the better of leader Bandipur and looking the winner halfway up the straight.
With the advantage of race fitness over several of his main rivals, Prime Candidate will be on a mission to find the front in the Theo Marks and challenge his opponents to catch him.
“He’s got no weight and he’s super fit, so we’ll be very positive and aim to lead,” Baker said
“Hopefully he can be strong over the 1300 metres.
“I was surprised we didn’t lead last time, so we definitely want to be making his presence felt on Saturday.”
Ten of the 12 runners in the Theo Marks Stakes are resuming, including leading market chances Mr Mozart and Ellsberg.
Kementari also tackles the feature first-up and trainer James Cummings says it will be an important test for the eight-year-old to prove he retains a zest for racing.
“He tends to run very well fresh and he’ll tell us how keen he is to press on,” Cummings said.