Training main gig but Prince shows he can still ride

Belle Hope and rider Steven Prince (outer) get the better of Courte Zarindi and Jacob Lowry at...
Belle Hope and rider Steven Prince (outer) get the better of Courte Zarindi and Jacob Lowry at yesterday's Wingatui jumpouts while Field of Fire and Craig Graham (inner) and Mossy Creek and Courtney Barnes follow. PHOTO: JONNY TURNER
North Taieri trainer Steven Prince wound back the clock when riding four winners at yesterday's Wingatui jumpouts.

The accomplished former jockey-turned-trainer's four winning rides helped his stable win five of yesterday's eight heats.

Prince produced 3yr-olds Mint Julep and Poniard for 800m maiden heat wins.

The pair hold nominations for New Zealand Cup week features the One Thousand and Two Thousand Guineas.

Although the well-bred gallopers have a good amount of ability, those races were far from locked in to their spring calendars, Prince said.

Mint Julep is a full sister to Remmington, who has won four races from Jamie Richards' Matamata stable.

Poniard is a half-brother to retired 15-win Ardmore galloper Spin Doctor.

Prince also rode Decepito Visus to win an 800m maiden heat.

The 4yr-old did not realise the promise he had shown when placing in only one of his seven starts last season.

Prince said the Per Incanto galloper had returned a stronger horse and could make more of a mark on the track this term.

Prince scored a stable quinella when he rode perennial placegetter Scandalous into second behind Lugano's Ace, who won for rider Courtney Barnes.

The maiden pair could start at next week's Gore meeting.

Prince completed his haul of five training wins when riding Belle Hope to win an open 800m heat.

A lack of suitable races means the four-win 6yr-old has to wait until next month to make her season debut.

Former South Island filly of the year Courte Zarindi made her first public appearance since November of last year when running second behind Belle Hope.

The 5yr-old, who failed to fire in two starts as 4yr-old after enjoying a standout 3yr-old season, has transferred to Brain and Shane Anderton's stable from Sally McKay's barn.

Shane Anderton said the Any Suggestion mare had been given a long and slow build-up before her return to racing.

The Anderton stable stepped out White Robe Lodge Weight-For-Age winner Gallant Boy yesterday.

The 9yr-old pleased his trainers in his first public hit-out since running sixth in the Canterbury Gold Cup at Riccarton in April.

Gallant Boy is being prepared for racing at the New Zealand Cup carnival.

The heat was won by ex-North Island galloper Below Zero.

The 5yr-old won one of her 12 starts for trainers Peter and Dawn Williams before transferring to Craig Graham's stable.

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