Prost ends an indifferent campaign on a high note with a Group 2 win with sights set on the Randwick Guineas in the autumn

Things hadn’t worked out for Prost in his first two runs this season but all was quickly forgotten when he dug deep to claim the Group 2 Callander-Presnell at Randwick.

Prost regained winning form as the Tulloch Lodge stable denied a luckless Just Party again in a thrilling finish at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Prost held off the late surge of Just Party to win the Group 2 $1 million Callander-Presnell (1600m).

The race was named after legendary Sydney race media identities Ken Callander and Max Presnell with both men part of the official trophy presentation post-race.

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Callander and Presnell would have enjoyed writing and commenting on the race given it was so eventful.

Prost’s stablemate, Anode had beaten Just Party last start in the Tapp-Craig and attempted to make all again.

But it was Prost ($7.50) who swept to the front under Adam Hyeronimus and held off the late surge of Just Party ($3.10) to win by a short half head with Anode ($2.50 favourite) tiring for third, more than two lengths away.

Bott said it was “rewarding” to see Prost burst back to winning form after an indifferent start to his three-year-old campaign.

“He got a bit lost down the Flemington straight first-up,’’ Bott said.

“Then a few things didn’t go his way second-up and we really needed to get him out in trip at that point of his preparation.’’

Bott said Prost, a son of Arrowfield Stud’s super sire Snitzel, is likely to be turned out for a spell and be set for the Group 1 Randwick Guineas next autumn.

“Prost could be that style of horse,’’ Bott said when asked if the Randwick Guineas was the target next year.

It's Prost's Callander-Presnell! In another close one at Randwick the @GaiWaterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt holds off Just Party. pic.twitter.com/CM3d8y4rXO

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 26, 2024

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“Whether he goes to the Magic Millions or not over summer is something we have to think about.

“But this colt is a commercial (stallion) prospect, he was a Group winner at two and now he has won a Group 2 as a three-year-old, and he’s closely related to Shinzo.

“So, that may be enough for him this preparation as he’s a horse that will keep maturing and we’ll see more from him in the autumn. It’s good to see him win today as it opens up a few more options as well, getting out in trip.”

Prost certainly enjoyed getting out to 1600m but stablemate Anode probably didn’t quite see out the trip with his third placing after leading into the straight.

“Anode had every chance, in fairness,’’ Bott said. “Maybe he doesn’t quite run out the mile strongly.’’

Bott also paid tribute to Callander and Presnell after the race.

“It’s always an honour to be picking up these races named after two people who have put so much into the industry,’’ Bott said.

“They have dedicated their lives to promoting the sport. When I was growing up, I read their articles and was glued to them on TV, trying to learn as much as I could from them.’’

Legendary racing writers Ken Callander (left) and Max Presnell (centre) present the Callander-Presnell trophy to co-trainer Adrian Bott. Picture: Bradley Photos

Hyeronimus got plenty of satisfaction from Prost’s return to winning form.

“I’m pleased for the horse and the owners because we’ve always thought a little bit of him,’’ he said.

“We had such a smooth run in transit and from the top of the straight, I always felt like the winner.

“He’s a beautiful colt with a great attitude, and that’s what won him the race today, the way he relaxed.

“I actually think he was getting stronger (on the line). I really felt like the winner at the top of the straight but when we got challenged and I really got after him late, he was good and he found. It was very pleasing to see.”

Just Party was the unlucky runner. He settled three pairs back on the fence and was in an awkward position coming to the turn.

Fort put the “blinkers” on and went left at that point of the race, bumping into way towards the centre of the track and clear galloping room where he balanced up and charged after Prost before losing narrowly.

“He ran a mighty race to go down by the barest of margins,’’ Ford said.

Originally published as Prost ends an indifferent campaign on a high note with a Group 2 win with sights set on the Randwick Guineas in the autumn