The Fred Cowell-trained Mighty Lucky has been out of luck
since winning the Listed Luskin Star Stakes at Scone in May last year but he
received all the favours when ending a run of 17 outs in Saturday's $150,000
Listed Sky Thoroughbred Central Festival Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.
Except for his first two starts, Nathan Thomas has been on
the 6yo gelding in his following 33 starts, which included all of his six wins.
"I think he's had 32 or 33 rides on him and has ridden
him well every time," Cowell said.
"People say to me why don't I put one of the known riders
on? But why take him off when he rides him well?"
Thomas gave the 6yo gelding every chance tracking the early
pace before coming with a well-timed run to defeat the John O'Shea-trained import
It's Somewhat by a long-head with Peace Force a short-half back in third in a
thrilling finish. (photo Steve Hart).
"I really liked him today," Thomas said.
"It probably wasn't that much harder than the races
he's been in which is open company anyway.
"He needs a good alley, no weight and a firmish track.
They rolled along at a nice tempo and he sprints well with no weight.
"He had a lot of idiosyncrasies early on and we ironed
all those things out. Thanks to the owners and thanks to Fred, they've
been very solid."
The son of the Vinery Stud-based Casino Prince is the third
foal of the Octagonal mare Buxom Babe a half-sister to two-time Listed Stakes
winner High Rolling.
Buxom Babe has a 2yo colt by Red Element named Red Onyx and
a yearling filly by the same stallion. She foaled an I Am Invincible colt on November
16.
Casino Prince has 8 yearlings catalogued for the Magic
Millions and the same amount at the Inglis Classic sale.
