PRINCE WITH KNOCKOUT BLOW IN JOE SHOW

Ian Fortune

Prince Naseem completed an unbeaten passage through the Joe Show ON2 525 at Kilkenny on Friday night with a statement like display.

This was the performance of a young greyhound with a big future and owner Kim Bergin and handler Shaun Conway can now start panning bigger targets in the weeks and months ahead.

Sent to traps the 2-1 joint favourite alongside Unanimous Jax, it was soon evident this was a one-dog affair. Prince Naseem broke fastest from trap three and the well-bred son of Droopys Sydney and Razldazl Annie quickly marched into a decisive lead.

Many of those hoping to land a blow found traffic on the bend but it scarcely mattered as the pace-setter was gone. Maintaining a relentless gallop throughout, Prince Naseem emerged a ready five and a half length winner in a tremendous 28.83, Sober Sparkler finished second with Droopys Prairie was third. Where the winner goes next has to be seen but, have no doubt, he could continue to progress and is clearly a greyhound with a bright future.