Latest News

Trainer Tyrone Coyle has left no stone unturned in his quest to get stable flagbearer Prince Aurelius back to his best but its the talented gelding could be facing his D-day at Kembla Grange on Thursday.

Prince Aurelius ($16 on TAB), which for a long period was the only horse Coyle had in work, is blessed with plenty of talent however he has struggled to show it in recent times.

Prince Aurelius (Madison Waters) in winning form at Kembla Grange. Image by Bradley Photographers

The Love Conquers All gelding won a Provincial Championships Qualifier at Gosford in March last year but has failed to find the placings in eight runs since the career highlight and has been by long margins on several occasions in recent times.

Coyle knows Prince Aurelius is much better than he has shown and has been eager to get to the bottom of what has been holding him back.

"I had him scoped, I had him scanned and everything came back spot on," Coyle said.

"I was at my wits end with what was going on and wondered how he could be so good by be racing like he was.

"When I got his blood done again they thought it was a virus but I talked Kerry Parker and the guys over at ML Racing and they agreed he must be tying up."

Coyle has made changes to 'basically everything' in regards to Prince Aurelius' routine including changing his feed as well as his working schedule to involve more swimming.

The Kembla trainer elected to run his six-year-old on home turf to ensure he is most comfortable.

"I wanted to tick every box with him, that's why I am racing him on his home track," Coyle said. "He is a very nervous horse and always has been but being at home should help.

"I am hoping it all changes tomorrow, that's why I don't mind the 62kg on his back and I've got Robbie Brewer on, who has ridden him before. I wanted to dot the I's and cross the T's."

Prince Aurelius will contest the 53 Years @ 130 - Thanks For Everything CG&E Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m).

Coyle hopes to use the race as a stepping stone to a late spring carnival raid in a $500,000 event.

"I have the Four Pillars pencilled in for him," Coyle said. "If he comes out and runs top three or four then I think he should get in that race.

"The sectionals he reels off he is a city class horse, close to Listed level so hopefully he can get back to showing it."

Race one jumps at 1.15pm on Thursday's eight-race card with Kembla rated a Heavy (10).

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Kembla Grange here