Racing: Prince proves size doesn't matter

Gallant Julinsky Prince claims the Tauranga title.

A lack of size hasn't prevented Julinsky Prince from mixing it with the big boys and he again punched above his weight at Tauranga on Saturday where he counted the favourite Kawi out in a rousing finish to the feature event.

The Marton 5-year-old downed his central districts rival with a whole-hearted performance in the Gr.2 Windsor Park Stud Japan New Zealand Trophy.

"He just keeps giving and he was giving weight to a lot of very good horses," trainer Fraser Auret said. "He doesn't know when to lie down."

Under 58kg, the diminutive son of Darci Brahma didn't hesitate to charge through a home straight gap along the fence and got in the deciding bob to down Kawi, who was in receipt of two kilos.

"I'm very proud of him - he's just 15 hands and to give weight to Kawi speaks volumes for the horse," Auret said.

Julinsky Prince has now won eight races and his lead-up form boasted Group One placings in the Haunui Farm WFA Classic and the Captain Cook Stakes.

"It was a gutsy effort to squeeze through a tight gap and he fought strongly to the line," rider Sam Spratt said.

Auret, who trains the gelding for his breeder John Bromley, is now considering a return trip north for another crack at a top flight feature with Julinsky Prince.

"I'll get him home and see how he does, but I might have a look at the Easter Handicap," he said.

Kawi was chasing his third consecutive win after victories in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup and the Listed Anniversary Handicap only to come up a nose short.

He didn't help his chances with a tardy start and he stuck to his task grimly while Lauren Tate came from well back in the field to earn third money. - NZ Racing Desk