Southern campaign on the cards

A TRIP south of the border is becoming increasingly likely for underrated pacer The Black Prince.

A handy fourth when first-up from a spell at Club Menangle last week, The Black Prince returned to the world class venue to capture last night’s free-for-all.

Pleased with the seven-year-old’s progress, trainer Roy Roots junior stated the performance has strengthened his resolve to head interstate in coming weeks.

First on the gelding’s southern agenda is the Victoria Cup followed by another Inter Dominion tilt.

The Cup is scheduled to be run at Tabcorp Park Melton on October 8, with the Inter Dominion to begin with heats in Ballarat on November 26.

In a bid to guarantee The Black Prince’s position in the Inter Dominion, Roots has set his sights on the Sutton McMillan Free-for-All at Club Menangle in a fortnight.

The Group Three offers an automatic berth – or ‘Golden ticket’ – to the prestigious Championship.

“He had a nice break after a tough campaign and has come back up well,” Roots said. “I’ve been more than happy with his two runs this time in and last night he showed he is back to his best.

“All going well he will continue to show his top and I’ll take him down to Victoria for the Cup and Inter.”

Driven by Robbie Morris during his latest triumph, The Black Prince worked to the lead from barrier four before being eased to take a trail behind A Gs White Socks.

Angled away from the pegs at the top of the home straight, the son of Bettors Delight reclaimed the front in the last stride to score by a head from A Gs White Socks.

Bundoran was a metre away third.

Covering the mile in 1:50.2, The Black Prince took his record to 22 wins and 23 placings from 83 starts for earnings of $486,776.