Elite Prince stepped up from winning in Restricted Maiden just two weeks ago to create an upset in the RM200,000 Three-Year-Old Sprint Championship (1200m) at Sungai Besi today.

While the focus in the sprint was on Duma and Yes Man, it was the Bon Hoffa gelding who stole a run on the two favourites in the running to win in style for trainer Richard Lim who recorded his first treble in Malaysia on the day.

With Shafiq Rusof in the saddle, the Elite Prince managed to overcome his wide draw (10) to lead on settling down.

Elite Prince kept up a bright gallop, was always clear of the chasing pack in the running and made a breakaway half way down the home straight.

Duma and Yes Man gave chase in the final 100m but Elite Prince had too much to spare, winning by 2-1/2 lengths. Duma had to settle for second and Yes Man finished third.

“Elite Prince has always been looking good and gave us a good feeling, especially on Tuesday when he worked very well,” said Lim who saddled Southern Speed and King’s Gambit to victory earlier in the day.

“I was just worried about the outside draw, concerned that he (Elite Prince) might not be able to get across,” he said.

“The pace in 3YO races are normally faster than usual and there were a lot of speed in the today’s race. Luckily he managed to cross easily.”

When pressed on the 3YO Mile Championship later in the month (June 29), Lim said: “The distance might be a bit too long for him but I will speak to Shafiq about it.”

“It was a good win,” said Shafiq who had the honour of riding the very last winner (Lucky Magic) in Penang Turf Club’s final meeting yesterday.

“He (Elite Prince) has worked well and has always shown ability. He is going to be the best three-year-old this year.

“He hardly ran today and I think he might get the mile.

“I will leave it to the trainer and if we do go for the 3YO Mile Championship, I might have to ride differently.”

Elite Prince was purchased for A$100,000 as a 3YO at an online sale and today’s success was his second in three starts.

Meanwhile, comeback jockey Troy See, who has been granted a licence to ride until the end of June, rode with a vengeance at his first meeting today, booting home a double and had three minor placings in eight rides.

See took out the second race, a Class 5A event over 1400m, on Southern Speed and the final event, a Class 5A 1020m sprint, on The Wild Hero for Jason Ong.