Princess Powers Home

Scarlet Princess (3 f Redwood - Volks Princess, by Volksraad) claimed just reward when breaking through to win the $10,000 Haunui Farm Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 22 March at Pukekohe.

A filly that trialled well, including a second to subsequent Wanganui Guineas (Listed, 1340m) winner and Victoria Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) runner Highlad (High Chaparral), before an unlucky debut in December, she was denied victory at her second start when claimed on the line by stable-mate Foreigner (Savabeel), and secured the prize at her fifth attempt for the Volks Princess Syndicate.

She had been scratched twice in recent times to avoid unsuitable slow going and co-trainer Stephen Autridge was aware of finding a good track before the possibility of having to turn her out for a spell.

“She probably didn't have too many more runs in her for this campaign and it's great for everyone in the syndicate that she has got the job done,” he said. “Her form had been solid, except for being caught wide last start.”

Confidently bet to start $3.20 & $1.30 race favourite, Scarlet Princess was patiently ridden by Matt Cameron in seventh as a speed duel ensued at the 800m. With the leaders appearing likely to yield, she steadily improved in clear air from the 400m and gobbled up the leeway stylishly when asked for her best, to win easily.

On ideal Dead4 footing, Scarlet Princess ran the 1200 metres in 1:10.7, last 600m in 34.4 winning by 1 ¼ lengths.

“We've had a little bit of trouble working out what (distance) she wants. She's bred to stay but I don't think she's going to,” said Autridge, who trains the horse with Jamie Richards.

“I told Matt to get some cover and if you think you're going well, don't go too soon. She's got a good sprint, but I don't think it's too long. He rode her well and she won accordingly.

“She made up good ground from a fair way off them, so the future for her looks not too bad.”

The win continued good form for Cameron, who had ridden two Group One winners in the past week.

“She had the form on the board and got the job done, so it was good,” he said.
Scarlet Princess has a Northern Dancer cross on each side of her pedigree and interestingly has a strong influence on her dam side of Secretariat, who became famous and the subject of books and film after winning the 1973 Triple Crown in America.

Given the manner of victory by Scarlet Princess, she certainly appears capable of further success and vindicated previous comments by stable foreman Milou Grylls, who said: “I like Scarlet Princess, a Redwood filly out of Volks Princess, and she is one to look out for.”

Scarlet Princess was strapped by Melissa Ford.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz