In a pulsating stretch run involving four horses spreading across the racetrack, Prolific Princess, under vigorous handling from Omar Walker, prevailed by a short head over Birdie My Love to win the Ash Wednesday Trophy feature at Caymanas Park yesterday.

From a level break, Prolific Princess was held off the pace as the speedy Talented Tony K, under Ameth Robles, took charge upfront over Dancing Queen (Oneil Mullings astride) and Birdie My Love (formerly Bird Catcher), under Anthony Thomas.

Leaving the half-mile, Talented Tony K increased the lead, with Prolific Princess along with Chace The Great (Wesley Henry up) beginning to round horses, going down into a striking position.

Turning for home, Talented Tony K gave way and the quartet of horses — Prolific Princess on the inside, Dancing Queen on her outside, Birdie My Love three wide, and Chace The Great going six wide — took over.

With all runners in with a chance, and none refusing to give up, the battle for supremacy then developed in deep stretch, but Prolific Princess got up in time to beat Birdie My Love by a short head with Dancing Queen another halflength in third, just ahead of Chace The Great in fourth.

Owned by O’Shaun Connection and trained by Neive Graham, Prolific Princess (Legal Process – Nuttin But Red) ran 1,300 metres in 1:19.0 minutes.

Sotomayor, top two-year-old from last season, was a rather disappointing eighth on his seasonal debut. The win was the second on the day for Walker, who earlier booted home Fearless Samurai in the third race.

The day’s co-feature, The Clifford Stewart Memorial Cup was won by Light Brigade, under Shamaree Muir. Racing continues on Saturday.