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Tough as teak local Prince Of Passion put a lacklustre last start performance squarely behind him as he showed just how good he can be with a gritty victory on the weekend.

The Pukekohe trained galloper responded to a peach of a ride from Kelly McCulloch to wear down race favourite Mr Luigi and recent northern convert Bishopbriggs in a three-way tussle at the conclusion of the Fasttrack Insurance 1400 on Saturday.

McCulloch had the six-year-old gelding positioned nicely in the trail throughout the contest before issuing her challenge three off the fence, halfway down the long Pukekohe straight. Prince Of Passion ranged up at the 50 metre mark to beat off his battling rivals to score by a short neck and record career victory number five.

Trainer Jon Miller has always held an opinion of his charge who had to battle some serious injuries earlier in his career.

“He’s six now but he’s coming right as he’s always had that ability,” he said.

“He’s still got three pins in his back leg from surgery for a cracked canon bone but he’s good now.”

Miller had been hoping for some better luck after a wide barrier draw had badly affected his charge’s performance at Ellerslie earlier in the month.

“He got caught wide last start when he was trying to improve so I was hoping he could find some cover this time as he’s at his best when he can sit just off the speed,” he explained.

“It was a good ride by Kelly as she did exactly what I asked for. It was also 1400 metres this time which is what he’s been looking for.”

Race favourite Mr Luigi fought hard for his minor placing with trainer Peter Lock advising he would assess track conditions over the next few weeks before deciding on future plans for his charge which could include an attempt at the Gr. 2 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie on the 1st of January.