The elixir of youth might be mythical, yet Mark Gatt’s Shanjo Prince, at 50 months of age, led from box-rise for the first time in his life at Richmond on September 10.
 
 A get-back-and-run-on performer since his debut in April 2019, Shanjo Prince had not led from the start in 80 outings prior to that Richmond 400m assignment and win 16 was posted by a comfortable three lengths.

 Lightning struck again just six days later when the bridle son of SH Avatar landed in front from box three and his 17th win extended career earnings to $99,775.

 
On Thursday, Shanjo Prince exits Box 7 in a Masters contest over 520m and his clash with local hero Sunburnt Highway is one for the ages.

 
Sunburnt Highway returned to best form with a sharp 29.81 all-the-way win over Million Dollar Chase winner Hardaway Harada at Dapto on September 4 – his 41st victory in a celebrated career.

 
Box seven is ideal for Shanjo Prince but can he maintain his very good box manners? History says no, yet the Gatt team have him going as well as ever.
 
Conversely, Sunburnt Highway has always been a safe beginner but can he clear the wide-running Shanjo Prince early? Punters might side with the consistent beginner (Sunburnt Highway) yet, should clear running be availed to each, an enthralling battle is assured.
 
Earlier in the night, Gatt will rug up talented youngster Ritza Franky Boy (Orson Allen – Ritza Millie).

 
The rising 23 month-old made his debut at Bulli on August 25 and was untroubled to score by 7 ½ lengths in a solid 22.57 over 400m.

Mum Ritza Millie – successful in 13 of 31 starts – has produced quality stock from two litters. The first, by Ritza Lenny, includes Ritza Tommy, Ritza Daniel and Ritza Tommy, while her Orson Allen litter includes Ritza Donna (five wins from 11 starts).

Ritza Franky Boy is on debut at Dapto but Gatt’s meticulous pre-training includes trials at Dapto and punters will warm to the strongly built red fawn dog.

The first of 11 races at Dapto gets underway at 7.10pm.