The Simon Miller camp celebrated yet another Ascot feature race victory, with 6yo Marwina mare Power Princess taking out the Group 3 Prince of Wales Stakes (1200m) in grand style.
Returning to WA racing after a solid display against the country’s best in Adelaide, which saw her run a game third behind Black Caviar in the Group 1 Robert Sangster 1200m, Power Princess ($2.80fav) picked up where she left off – clinically disposing of the local weight for age field – coasting to the line one length clear of the promising Luke’s Luck ($8.00), with Playing God ($8.00) a further half-length away in third.
Westriver Kevydonn ($6.50) sprung the gates early, and led to the 400, but jockey Peter Knuckey had Power Princess travelling with ease – releasing the brakes at the top of the straight to career past rivals – carving out the fastest final 600m time for the day as she sauntered home.
The win was Power Princess’s first Group victory, after dominating local stakes and listed races for the last few years. Miller will now set his star mare for the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes 1100m on Melbourne Cup day.
C.Blackwell