Trots

Grateful Prentice Eyes Second Inter Dominion

Kim Prentice says he feels fortunate to have a genuine chance of challenging for a second Inter Dominion championship.

Prentice has fresh memories of when he trained and drove Baltic Eagle to victory in the 2003 Inter Dominion final at Christchurch.

It’s taken another 14 years, but Bunbury-based Prentice has high hopes of securing another Inter Dominion title with classy five-year-old, Soho Tribeca.

Bred and raced by notable Western Australian owner, Robert Watson, Soho Tribeca commenced his racing career in Victoria under the care of Jayne Davies.

Under Prentice he has continued to blossom, racing on 14 occasions for seven wins and six minor placings with stake earnings boosted to $471, 239.

His major highlights included the Golden Nugget (2536m) at Gloucester Park and the Vic Bred Super Series (2240m) when Prentice took him back to Melbourne in July.

Prentice said he’s excited by what lies ahead for Soho Tribeca.

“I thought I would only ever get one champion and I’m not saying Soho Tribeca is a champion just yet, but he is an unbelievable horse,” Prentice said on TABradio.

“I just want to do it for the horse, I just think he is beautiful who is so laid back at home.

“You would never know he is a bull, but when he gets to the races he just wants to run fast.”

Soho Tribeca last raced on November 3 when runner-to Chicago Bull in the James Brennan Memorial (2536m). He capped his Inter Dominion preparation with a solid workout last Saturday.

Prentice says he’s confident the powerful stallion will be at his peak for the Inter Dominion series.

“During the heats I can take him down the beach, walk him through the water and give him a little swim and keep him really fresh,” Prentice said.

“He looks really well and had a good workout last week.

“He worked home really good and his heart rate was really good on Tuesday morning.”

Soho Tribeca is a $1.85 favourite to knock over powerhouse New Zealand star, Lazarus, in the first heat after drawing barrier two.

Lazarus, coming off a stunning New Zealand Cup success, his eighth win in succession, will step from outside the field of nine.

“I’m glad he’s drawn nine and I’ve drawn two,” Prentice said.

“If we roll to the top and he sits outside of us and beats us he is a freak.”

PHOTO: Gloucester Park / Scott Hamilton