It didn’t take long to follow through with another winner for the season when Prima scored his first city win at Sandown on Wednesday. A perfectly executed ride by in form Apprentice, Beau Mertens proved the difference in narrowly winning the Schweppes BM70 handicap at Ladroke Park. Taking the initiative to lead, the young apprentice rated the Sir Percy gelding to perfection over the 1800m course and even though narrowly headed in the straight, the pair fought back to have the edge on the line. Stepping up to the 1800m at his third run back this campaign it was a courageous effort by Prima who may be small in stature but has a big heart when it counts. Co-Trainer, Lee said “Prima is a dry track horse and trying to place him on the right ground over the last few weeks has been difficult. We have to choose his races based on track conditions hence the reason he jumped from 1400m to 1800m. I feel he has the right profile to aim towards the country cups over the Spring and will prove competitive in these races. Prima is raced by brothers, Robert and Keith Tunnicliffe together with Mark Brady and takes his career earnings to over $85,000 since arriving from New Zealand last year.