CHANCES of the Aaron Purcell-trained galloper Midas Prince winning at Pakenham on Saturday soared after champion trainer Chris Waller scratched his two runners from the $75,000 race.
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With no Melbourne metropolitan meeting on Saturday, the Pakenham race day is the major race meeting in Victoria and carries city status.
Waller accepted with Mangione and Master Shuhood in the 2000-metre race but has elected to run both horses in a $125,000 race at Rosehill on Saturday.
Warrnambool trainer Purcell told The Standard he was quietly pleased once notified Waller had scratched his runners.
"Waller's horses are always hard to beat. This looks a suitable race for Midas Prince," he said.
"He'll appreciate the 2000 metres.
"He's been a very consistent horse for the stable, winning three of his 11 runs for us. He deserves another win after minor placings at Flemington and Sandown."
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Brett Prebble has the ride on Midas Prince.
"There's no better jockey than Brett," Purcell said.
"He's one of the top jockeys - you don't have to give him many instructions."
Early betting markets rate Midas Prince a $4.20 hope of winning.
Former Crossley trainer Mitch Freedman saddles up Overland in a $100,000 race at Pakenham.
Ciaron Maher and his training partner David Eustace have numerous runners including Yulong January, Ken's Dream and Think Bleue in a $150,000 event.
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