James Winks was happy to talk up Our Voodoo Prince from the first time he rode him.
And after the Chris Waller-trained import confirmed himself as a potential Caulfield Cup prospect by overcoming difficulties to win Saturday’s Easter Cup, Winks kept the praise coming.
“This could turn out to be one of the best horses I’ve ridden,” Winks said.
Our Voodoo Prince is out of champion European mare Ouija Board and made it three wins from as many Australian starts as he sprinted quickly to beat Akzar by three quarters of a length with Stipulate 1-1/2 lengths away third.
The six-year-old was slowly away and Winks had to revert to Plan B on the $2.30 favourite and settle back in the pack.
He had most of the field in front of him as the field straightened, but when an opening came he pounced.
“That was all him (Saturday). Good horses get themselves out of trouble,” Winks said.
“I’ve praised him and I’m glad he’s been able to come here today (Saturday) and get himself out of trouble, winning a Group Three race and putting some good horses away.
“I reckon in the spring you might see him in the Caulfield Cup.”
Winks said the Easter Cup had been won by the subsequent Cox Plate winner Maldivian in 2007, and Jet Away last year before he was fourth in the Caulfield Cup.
“I’m not saying he’s at that level, but he’s definitely on the way up there,” Winks said.
The jockey’s concern was whether Our Voodoo Prince, winner of his first two Australian starts at Sandown and Flemington, would have the same turn of speed on a slow track.
The gelding proved he did, adding another string to his bow as Waller likely plots a spring path.
“He’s a bit of a revelation. He doesn’t show that much at home, but raceday he just goes out and does it,” Melbourne stable representative Justine Hales said.
“I think Chris is going to put him out now, and save him for the spring.”
– AAP