Prentice Hoping For Second Major Upset
24 May, 2018
Harness
Bunbury horseman Justin Prentice is hopeful of causing another major upset when Our Corelli tackles the $50,000 Group 2 Pearl Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park on Friday.
Prentice concedes Our Corelli faces a mammoth task with Jack Mac in the line up, but fresh in his mind is the boilover he caused with Our Major Mama in the WA Oaks (2536m).
The bay filly, who started at $139.80 and had won only two of her previous 17 starts, was given little chance of success, but proved the doubters wrong with an inspired victory
Giving Prentice his second Oaks victory, Our Major Mama, who rocketed home to score by 2.5m, is reputed to be Gloucester Park’s longest-priced Group 1 winner.
However, the big stumbling block for Prentice is exciting New Zealand import, Jack Mac, who has taken all before him since teaming up with trainer Barry Howlett
The Mach Three colt has yet to taste defeat in Perth and is certain to be at short odds when he attempts to extend his winning sequence to eight in the Pearl Classic.
The Busselton-trained three-year-old has not raced since January 22 and minor setbacks kept him out of the WA Derby, but he is bound to have his share of supporters.
Prentice says Our Corelli, raced by the same group of owners as Our Major Mama, displayed positive signs after posting his first win at Pinjarra two weeks ago.
“Jack Mac looks unbeatable and is the horse to beat,” Prentice said.
“If Barry (Howlett) has him anywhere near right he will take some stopping.
“But if he is not at his top for any reason Our Corelli is in with a place chance.
“If there is to be a chink in Jack Mac’s armour we have a chance.
“Our Corelli is coming off a good win and has improved.
“He is a horse on the way up.”
Jack Mac is to be driven by Chris Lewis and will start from gate two. Prentice and Our Corelli combine from barrier eight.
Later in the evening Prentice expects Major Reality to impose her class and bounce back in race eight over 2130m.
After a good win over a mile at Pinjarra, Major Reality, to start from barrier nine, has been unplaced at her past two starts at Gloucester Park.
“I was a little disappointed with her last run, but she has the class factor and if near her top she should figure in the finish.” Prentice said.
Prentice, who considers Major Reality to be his best winning chance, also said the consistent Son Of Anarchy should not be discounted in race nine on the programme.
Julio Santarelli