NINE of our best three-year-olds colts and geldings face the starter tomorrow in the 22nd renewal of the Prince Consort Stakes over seven furlongs.

The Prince Consort is the final preparation race for the Classics with the first — the 1,000 Guineas — set for Easter Monday, April 1.

The heat is really on as trainers, grooms and jockeys hustle to ensure all is done with their charges to get them at peak for the much sought-after set of races on any racing calendar across the globe of horseracing.

Following the excitement of Argentina winning the Thornbird Stakes (equivalent of the Prince Consort for fillies), the Park is on fire as there is a palpable increase of interest in the three-year-old races by fans.

Prince Consort provides many mysteries, as top two-year-old of last year Hover Craft races for the first time at three, so too Perfect Neighbour, while we have witnessed the noticeable improvements made by Willie Goldsmith.

The following is a short analysis of the nine runners down to take part in the Prince Consort and their possible chances of winning this important race.

ROYAL VIBES PRINCE HOLDER WAYNE DACOSTA

Winner of one race as a two-year-old and is best considered to be a sprinter with seven furlongs probably being his maximum trip. Displayed a willingness to run on last time out when second to Rock Union over six and a half furlongs. The number one draw will have an effect on his chances. Expected to run 1:28.3 based on last outing. Benefits from a significant drop in weight and as such cannot be ruled out of contention. The figure eight is now off. (Royal Minister-November Lace)

THE BEST FLYER

KURI POWELL LOR ROBINSON

The Best Flyer is the winner of one race from 11 starters over eight and a half furlongs. This trip might just be too short. Look for him in the longer races later in the year. Expected to run 1:27.3 based on last performance. (Dayton Flyer-Best Decorated)

UNCLE TAF NEV STEPHENSON OWEN SHARPE

Thought of as one of the better two-year-olds of last year after opening his career with two consecutive victories but has regressed since while developing a persistent problem at the gates on racedays. One of the few three-year-olds to race against older horses and is expected to run 1:28.2 for seven. Note tongue tie is off. (Traditional-Zara)

PISCEAN ROCKET

P FRANCIS RICHARD AZAN

Piscean Rocket seems to be a short runner with sprinting being his forte. Expected to run 1:28.3. Note blinkers are off with cheek pieces on. (Traditional-Starry Eyes).

PERFECT NEIGHBOUR

O FOSTER WAYNE DACOSTA

First race at three after an impressive run in the one mile Jamaica Two Year Old Stakes on Boxing Day last. His preparation has been interrupted by some minor niggling problems but is being steadily if not spectacularly prepared for his Classic races. Prefer to see him going longer although his only win to date was over seven furlongs. Based on his effort on Boxing Day expect Perfect Neighbour to run 1:27.1. (Natural Selection-Desperate Housewife)

BORDER LINE

S MUIR RICHARD AZAN

One of the more experienced in the line-up with eight starts. His third placed effort behind Commander One and Jah Love over seven and a half-furlongs was an excellent pipe opener for this race. That run showed improvement and Richard Azan is known for his prowess in preparing big race winners. Border Line is one to watch for sure. Expected to run 1:28.0. Look for further improvement. (Natural Selection-Constant Girl)

GOODWILL BOY

D CARDENAS ANTHONY NUNES

With only one win from seven starts, Goodwill Boy will have to demonstrate untold improvement to win here. (War Marshall-Checkinwithmom)

HOVER CRAFT

R MCNAUGHTON W DACOSTA

Hover Craft makes his long-anticipated first run of the season after his smashing and dramatic win on Boxing Day. He seems to be coming on nicely although there is talk that his preparation has not been the smoothest possible. According to the clockers he galloped 1:28.3 over seven furlongs on Sunday morning. If this report is accurate he comes into the race fit and ready.

Hover Craft might just need this race to reacclimatize to running in the afternoon and is expected to run 1:26.1 (He’stherealthing-Royal Pizzaz)

WILLIE GOLDSMITH

O WALKER P CHANG

Willie Goldsmith without doubt is a truly exciting prospect after his debut on December 15 and his non-winners of two effort on January 26. He has caught the eye with these two runs and with normal improvement expected, Willie Goldsmith is really positioning himself as a primary candidate for this race and beyond if all things remain equal. He is still a relatively unknown quantity and is truly one of those exciting prospects in racing and this race depending on the outcome will go a long way in defining his status. Expected to run 1:27.1. (Traditional-Gracious Gift)

SELECTIONS _

WILLIE GOLDSMITH,

HOVER CRAFT,

THE BEST FLYER