Honour Prince and Social Aviator are riding high after their wins in the Sir Howard and Hotline Stakes, respectively. They’re now gearing up for this afternoon’s 32nd staging of the Prince Consort and Thornbird Stakes feature events at Caymanas Park, part of the Road to the Triple Crown.

The Prince Consort Stakes is open to native-bred three-year-old colts and geldings, while the Thornbird Stakes is confined to native-bred three-year-old fillies. Both events will run over seven furlongs (1,400m) and offer similar purses of $1.75 million.

Honour Prince, fresh from his win in the Sir Howard Stakes where he defeated Prince Roy by three-parts of a length over six furlongs (1,200m), is looking to continue his success in the Prince Consort Stakes. His recent performance has been impressive, and he’s expected to be a strong contender in the event. If he can replicate his performance, he could lead home the rivals once again.

Social Aviator, on the other hand, has been dominating her competition. She remains undefeated in two starts to date and her win in the Hotline Stakes over six furlongs has set her up nicely for the Thornbird Stakes. She’s shown impressive form and is looking to add another win to her tally. The increased distance should suit her better, and she could complete the hat-trick of wins.

The Prince Consort Stakes is positioned as the fourth event on the 10-race card with a post time of 1:50 pm. The Thornbird Stakes is scheduled to run 40 minutes after as the fifth race at 2:30 pm. First race is at 12:00 pm.

Honour Prince’s effort in the Sir Howard was a testament to his exceptional talent and class. He had trained well leading up to the race and delivered a standout performance. Jockey Phillip Parchment executed a brilliant ride, timing his move perfectly to showcase Honour Prince’s impressive acceleration and potential for longer distances.

Honour Prince should once again get stiff challenge from Prince Roy. Prince Roy had emerged as a surprise contender in the Sir Howard Stakes. Despite preferring longer distances, Prince Roy demonstrated resilience and determination, closing strongly to secure second place. Continued improvement will be crucial for Prince Roy to remain competitive at longer distances and the Prince Consort Stakes is right up his street.

Brahma Bull and Runaway Star should also be worthy contenders here. Brahma Bull has shown improvement in his recent performance, winning his second start over six furlongs on March 8 by a length and a quarter. Although his final time of 1:16.2 wasn’t impressive, he’s expected to be a live shot in this race based on his class and talent.

Runaway Star released his maiden tag with a dominant 7¼-length win over this distance on March 29 in a smooth 1:28.2. Based on his manner of victory, he’s not to be denied a chance in this race.

Social Aviator demonstrated remarkable grit and determination, overcoming an early deficit to secure a strong victory in the Hotline Stakes. This performance suggests she’ll excel at longer distances and has established herself as the favourite for this race.

Expect big challenges from Danka, Summer Palace, and Burning Hedge.

Despite being the overwhelming favourite, Danka ran a respectable race, positioning herself close to the pace and making a timely move. She was simply outdone by Social Aviator by a length and a quarter in the Hotline Stakes. She should be more effective over this distance and is expected to be one of the top contenders here.

Summer Palace made a winning debut over five and a half furlongs (1,100m) on March 23, romping home by 2 ½ lengths in 1:08.3. She appears to be a classy filly and could make a bold bid for first place.

Burning Hedge won the Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes over one mile on December 26, 2024. Although she has had two unsuccessful runs against older horses at the Overnight Allowance level, she has a good chance of winning now that she’s racing against her peers.

— Ruddy Allen

Ones to watch:

Race 1: So Beautiful/Little Grovy Thing/Dodge This Link

Race 2: Tigeramedat/Uncaptured Empress/Lion Charmer

Race 3: Xlophonic Steel/The Hot Dancer/Money Must

Race 4: Honour Prince/Prince Roy/Brahma Bull

Race 5: Social Aviator/Burning Hedge/Danka

Race 6: Midnight Galaxy/Galopin De Veloz/Chief Dissident

Race 7: Beneison/Midnight Runner/Cosalivin

Race 8: Unspun/Supremasi/Impressive Force

Race 9: Sheer Delight/Fearless Force/Allegiance

Race 10: Abreathoffreshair/Undisclodlocation/Kings’s Crown