(Saturday, October 11, 2003)- Dashin Prince Henry won his second major handicap stakes of the year Saturday night, barely holding off fast-closing Magic Scoop in the final strides of the $20,000 Burnett Handicap before a crowd of 4,601 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Dashin Prince Henry, the 3-1 second choice in a field of 10, broke on top from Post No. 6 in the 350-yard race for 3-year-olds and up. With 100 yards to go the 4-year old gelding held a clear advantage, but closing with a rush from the outside Post No. 10 was even money favorite Magic Scoop.

“He stepped away probably a neck [in front], and fifty yards from the gate he probably had them three-quarters of a length,” said Jacky Martin, who rode Dashin Prince Henry. “He ran a good race, but that ten-horse really ran him down on the end of it. I saw him a long ways coming, and I was sure hoping the wire got there when it did.”

Trainer Jack Brooks, who saddled Dashin Prince Henry for his season-leading fifth win, also felt fortunate to have held on by a diminishing head.

“He ran a great race tonight,” Brooks said. “Going three-fifty, he better step away from there with this kind of stock. Luckily, he did. That horse on the outside was really closing fast, so he needed to step away good.”

The 126-pound highweight stopped the timer in :17.37, not far off Classic Sassy Chic’s track record of :17.14. The top two each earned a Speed Index of 101, the first triple-digit figures of the meeting.

Flying Avalanche, the 5-1 third choice, recovered from a slow break to manage a strong third, a half-length behind Magic Scoop. It was another neck back to Special Task Force, followed by Turfinator, Friday 123, Tennessee Dasher, Tiger Toole, Royal Quick Wind and Fishin Kisses.

Dashin Prince Henry earned $11,000 in his fifth career win, bringing his total earnings to $98,415 for owner Jim Pitts. The winner also took the Grade 3 All American Gold Cup at Ruidoso in August and was the fastest qualifier to last year’s Grade 1 Dash For Cash Derby.

Bettors who backed Dashin Prince Henry earned $9.60 on their $2 wagers.