The former Victorian hoop executed the perfect frontrunning ride on What A Prince in the Geraldton Cup (2100m) and he plans to adopt similar similar tactics in the Diggers Cup (1800m) on Thursday.
“I think everybody expects him to lead the race and that’s what we’ll endeavor to do,” Chris Nicoll said to The Races WA.
“The way the horse is going will suit and he seems to like free rolling in front in his last couple of starts.
“I think he’s a live chance with that weight and a good barrier, he’ll do no work and will try and pinch it on the corner.
“I don’t mind doing what I’ve done the last couple of times, using him a little bit early, getting a break mid race and then asking him to go again, he’s capable of doing that.”
Nicoll believes a drop back in distance won’t pose any concern for What A Prince, his versatility a telling asset this current campaign.
The All Too Hard gelding has raced between 1100m and 2125m in 11 starts since November and two starts back ran second in the Batavia Sprint (1200m).
“He’s probably one of the toughest horses I’ve ridden in WA, to be honest,” said Nicoll.
“I guess you don’t get that many horses that can go from a sprint to a 2100 hundred in a matter of a couple of weeks.
“It’s something you don’t see anymore in racing and after the Geraldton Cup you have to look at city races with him.
“I think he’s a live chance with that weight and good barrier.
“With that sort of weight, he won’t know I’m on his back.
“He’s a tough horse who can handle whatever you throw at him.”
What A Prince carries 54kg, a drop of 5kg and jumps from barrier two.
He’s currently $10 with Tabtouch, a drifter after he opened at $8.
Tin Chooks the $3 favourite, ahead of Casino Seventeen $6.50, Currimindi $9, River Rubicon $9.50 and Rokanori $9.
“Tin Chooks is obviously the one to beat,” Nicoll said.
“Currimindi is going a similar path, coming back from the Albany Cup (2100m).
“It’s an open enough field, but Tin Chooks looks the one to beat.”
