Purchased by Stevens for Seamark from Ann & Ken Browne as a two year old, Citra's Prince was trained in Australia by former Marcus Oldham College graduate Cliff Brown after Seamark leased a 50% share to Australian interests.

Stevens, who was involved in the early education of top gallopers Castletown, Corndale and Cool Reception, holds the bay gelding in high regard.

"He is a very smart horse, and although having won only 4 races, his last 3 starts have included the Brisbane Cup, O'Shea Stakes and Caloundra Cup, which is a strong indication of the ability he has", Stevens told Thoroughbred NEWS.

Stevens plans to give the gelding a freshen up, and use a slow build up to prepare him for some of the late summer and autumn features which may include the Marton Cup, a race that the stable won in consecutive years with Esprit de Corps (Centro).

Another horse in the stable that Stevens has high hopes for is the Australian bred filly Blu Rapture (Blu Tusmani).

"She had two starts at two, running second on debut before beating Chit Chat at Counties", said Stevens of the filly that he had to late scratch on the morning of the Matamata Breeders Stakes.

"We did everything we could to get her to the race [Breeders Stakes] as it was the owners dream to have a runner - however x-rays revealed pedal bone osteitis and she underwent surgery to rectify the problem".

The facilities at Stevens' Matamata property include a 600 metre sand track which has proved essential in the recovery of the promising filly and the plan is to trial her at Cambridge on August 20 in readiness for a start in the Sideline Bar Hawke's Bay Guineas.

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Media Release - TNZ