Princely finish for Weir
BALLARAT trainer Darren Weir finished with a Moonee Valley double from the last two races to add to his treble at Caulfield on Boxing Day.
Weir’s double yesterday included Prince Of Penzance’s win in the Sportingbet Best Tote Plus Handicap and he’ll aim the horse at the Mornington Cup and Launceston Cup.
‘‘Were taking small steps towards those races and we’re hoping he can get there,’’ Weir said.
The four- year- old gelding was bought at a New Zealand sale for $50,000 and with the $48,000 prizemoney won yesterday has recouped $135,000 since his first race in March.
With Michelle Payne aboard, Prince Of Penzance was last at the 800m but as they entered the straight he clicked into gear and won by 1 ¾ lengths from Bringenbrong ($ 26) with Mendivil ($21) a nose away third.
In the penultimate race, the City Jeep Handicap (1200m), the in-form Big Buddy ($11) swooped from the back of the field to win his third race in his last four starts.
Weir said off-season races suited the seven- year- old gelding as he made his way through the ratings.
He said the no-frills King Buddy is an honest horse that has built his prizemoney close to $200,000.
‘‘They’re the kind of horses you want,’’ he said.
King Buddy beat Elwick Jack ($17) by a half length with General Groove ($15) 1¼ lengths away third.