Zenda Takes No Prisoners
Mon 15 Jan 2024
WINNER 4 OF 2024: PRINCE OF ZENDA, trained by Hugo Palmer and ridden by Ross Coakley: 'The Boost Your Acca-Fenwa With Betuk Handicap' over 6f at Lingfield.
This was his first try down to 6f. A messy break, saw him short of room and bustled back towards the rear, switching to the outer. Taking a keen hold, as they came into the straight, he was slightly hampered over 1f out and had a lot to do. Ridden on the outer, he ran on superbly inside the final furlong, taking the lead towards the finish, to win by 1/2 a length.
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Lingfield/14-January-2024/1500
Ross said to Matt Chapman, in his Sky Sports Racing interview: "I had to go to plan B as we were shuffled back, as I wanted to go forward really. He got into a good rhythm and we were able to slingshot off the bend. He has plenty of ability."
Timeform rated it as a p92+ performance, saying: "Resumed winning ways with the drop to 6f suiting, picking up best down the centre of the track to edge a busy finish for in-form yard; dwelt, held up, headway out wide when baulked briefly 1f out, stayed on to lead near line; unexposed as a sprinter and may do better still.”
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Well that plan worked! Congratulations to his owners and well done to Hugo and his team. A good well judged ride by Ross to go to 'plan b' when the first half of the race didn't go to plan. A very exciting finish to watch though, as he flew home! "