3 minute read
Don't give up on Prime Ruler warns Wieland
Fallen idol Prime Ruler's best days may be behind him, but trainer Fred Wieland is hopeful there's a win or two left in the tank.
Prime Ruler has been carrying big weights in Far North Queensland and again received 61kgs in the Open Handicap in Cairns on Friday.
The six-year-old stretches out to 1400 metres for the first time since failing in the Cairns Newmarket in August last year.
It was the six-year-old's only defeat in three starts over the journey after winning his only two previous 1400 metre attempts in restricted grade.
Prime Ruler has raced at Innisfail at his past three efforts and is coming off a last start fourth to the Stephen Massingham-trained Silent Explorer.
"He was only beaten half a length by Silent Explorer and he and Brilliant Mind look the ones to beat again," Wieland said.
"Prime Ruler is going good enough but he's just been struggling to carry big weights.
"He was given 62kgs last start when we claimed on him and we're claiming again but this time with Jenna Edwards.
"As they say, weight stops trains, but he has been a bit disappointing this year."
Wieland believes stepping out to 1400 metres might see the best from Prime Ruler.
"He's won a couple of times over 1400 metres and there should be less hustle and bustle in this race," Wieland said.
"Over 1200 metres last time he hit a flat spot for a while then came again and ran on well.
"It was a huge run with the weight he had.
"I'm sure he has a couple of wins left in him and it's just a matter of picking the right races for him."
Prime Ruler was regarded as North Queensland's future star winning eight times in nine starts over a 12 month period from July, 2021.
He has been a great money spinner for his connections, which include Tom Hedley, who paid $15,000 for the former NSW galloper.
His 23 starts for Wieland have produced 10 wins and 4 placings with prize money earnings of more than $167,000.
"Tom had him on his farm up here and told me to pick him up and to try and win a maiden somewhere with him," Wieland said.
"He got him from Sydney but he kept going shin sore down there."
