It is the second win from four starts, for the Dean Mirfin-trained gelding. 

“I am really happy with him,” he said.

“He’s a horse that I’ve got a big opinion of and hopefully he fulfils his potential,” he said.

Ridden by Matthew Cahill, Prince Planet ($5.50) started the race from barrier three and pulled ahead to the lead by the 400 metre mark in the Broadley and Hayden Class 1 Handicap (1000 metres).

Coming into the final straight, Prince Planet maintained his lead but race favourite Bel Diablo ($1.90) begun his challenge to threaten the leader.

However it was Prince Planet who held on for a 0.46 length win over Storm Force ($3.80), with Bel Diablo finishing third. 

Prince Planet has previously got away to an early lead in longer races but it was something Mirfin was not expecting at Towac Park. 

“I wasn’t expecting him to do it [jump to an early lead],” Mirfin said.

“In a shorter race they would be a bit faster than him. 

“He had a break from racing and come back and he’s only faster and stronger than what was he was. I was pleasantly surprised that he led.”

Mirfin said the 19-week spell did Prince Planet the “world of good”.

“He’s a much bigger and stronger horse,” he said.

“It’s a good time of the year in the spring. They all seem to thrive and develop, some more than others. He’s done a real good job.”

Mirfin said he has a couple of options on the cards for Prince Planet.

“He may race in the next Bathurst meeting or he might go down to Sydney for a highway race in three weeks time.

“I’ll see how he pulls up and develops over the next few weeks,” he said.

In training, the four-year-old bay gelding was described as “quite a character” by Mirfin.

“He’s not an easy horse to ride,” he said.

“My apprentice – Jamie Gibbons – rides him and does a really good job with him.”