The Anthony Cummings-trained Price Fawaz caused a boilover at Eagle Farm on Saturday claiming an emotional win in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins Plate (1600m).
The colt by Fastnet Rock stepped up to the mile for the second time in his lightly raced career to challenge a talented field of two-year-old’s led by race-favourite Accession.
With jockey Kerrin McEvoy on board, Prince Fawaz got away nicely from barrier four fighting hard for a spot behind the leaders. The pair burst clear over the final furlong on the inside of second place-getter Kubrick, earning McEvoy back-to-back J.J. Atkins wins after winning last year aboard The Autumn Sun.
Prince Fawaz earned trainer Anthony Cummings his second win in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins Plate at Eagle Farm on Saturday. Photo Credit: Steve Hart.
“He’s got a bit of class to him, it’s my first time I’ve sat on him, he showed a nice turn of foot to finish there, he’s got a lot of class that’s for sure,” McEvoy told Sky Racing after the win.
“He jumped nicely and I sort of just niggled forward into a midfield spot, but he travelled really well. I was nearly going to try and burrow out at the 700m but I opted not to and just rode a bit more patient, but full credit to the horse, he picked up well and was really strong.”
Prince Fawaz earned his first-ever win last month at Randwick over 1400m in a two-year-old handicap race. A trip back to the paddock looks likely as connections prepare for a big Spring ahead.
“He sort of cruised over the last 100 yards, I think Anthony (Cummings) and the owners have a nice horse for the Spring. I’m presuming that he’ll stay further than a mile as well, and you never know, he could be heading to a Derby trip – knowing Anthony he’ll have a crack” McEvoy went on to say.
The win was particularly special for the owners, who named the horse after their late friend.
“Means a lot, there’s no doubt the big fella upstairs is watching us, and Marky, his middle name is Fawaz, he’s got three beautiful kids, an amazing wife and an amazing family” owner Paul Pisani told the Brisbane Racing Club.
Chris Waller’s Kubrick and Reloaded fought on nicely for third, while Strasbourg finished a disappointing eighth for the Snowden team.
