Jockey Shaun McGruddy took advantage of a fast-run race with A Knight Of Pro at Belmont on Saturday.

The Proart gelding tracked Forseen and then speared through a gap to pinch a break on Bold Success at the top of the straight.  He kept lifting to hold out the favourite by a three-quarters of a length in the TABTouch Hcp (1300m).

It was McGruddy’s first win back after a family holiday and he’s looking forward to steering more quick ones like A Knight Of Pro.  “He jumped well and really improved off that last run a fortnight ago,” he said.  “We got the run of race and he will keep progressing this time in.”

A Knight Of Pro (5g Proart – Principal Dame by Singspiel) hasn’t been over-extended by trainers Robert & Todd Harvey winning 4 times in 15 starts for prizemoney and Westspeed bonuses of $172,000.

Racing third-up after an autumn spell for Rapid Equine – Balmoral Park owner Neil Irvine, he’s the final foal of Principal Dame who won at Morphettville and was runner-up in the 2008 Queens Cup at Cheltenham.

“A Knight Of Pro has above-average ability,” Todd Harvey claimed.  “We were quietly confident today – he’s tightened up and drew a barrier.  He’s been slow to mature so we’ve taken our time and now we’re looking forward to this prep.”

Another Proart in winning form is Malaysian-based sprinter D’Great Eminence.  He scored a comfortable victory at Penang on Sunday – his 7th in 33 starts for trainer Richard Lines.

D’Great Eminence was bred by David Edwards from Velvet Strike (Commands).  She won at Hawkesbury and Bunbury and was pensioned after foaling a Demerit colt last year.

Proart (Rock of Gibraltar) stands at Balmoral Park and has sired the winners of 36 races plus 80 placings from 23 starters to date.  For further information, call stud manager Brian Collison on (08) 9498 2728 or 0411 055 164.

A KNIGHT OF PRO