King on target for a slice of history

ALONG with joining a pair of the all-time greats just moments ago, King Of Swing served notice he is on target for a record-breaking performance.

Proving too good in the A G Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton, King Of Swing became just the third pacer to regain the title he once held.

Securing the 2020 Cup, King Of Swing finished third behind Lochinvar Art and Alta Orlando during his title defence last season.

By etching his name on the prestigious event’s honour roll for a second time the Belinda McCarthy-trained son of Rocknroll Hanover sits alongside Minuteman and Pure Steel.

Scoring in 1964, Minuteman was victorious once again in 1966.

Pure Steel was too strong in ‘77 and ’78 before returning for a record third win in 1980.

“He is just a marvel of a horse and to win such a prestigious race for a second time is fantastic,” McCarthy said.

“He’s heading to the breeding barn at the end of the year and this is the perfect start to his last hoorah so to speak.”

With McCarthy’s husband Luke holding the reins, King Of Swing led throughout from the pole to complete a two-and-a-half metre win from his stablemate, Spirit Of St Louis.

After enjoying the run of the race behind the pacemaker, Amazing Dream was three metres away third.

Rating 1:56.7 over 2760 metres, the seven-year-old took his tally to 42 wins and 18 placings from 80 starts for earnings of $2,786,046.

To be given an “easy few days” as he heads back to McCarthy’s New South Wales base, King Of Swing will then be primed for the $1million Garrards Miracle Mile.

Australasia’s premier sprint is scheduled to be conducted at Club Menangle on March 5.

Winner of the past two editions of the Grand Circuit gem, King Of Swing is aiming to become the first triple Miracle Mile winner since its inception in 1967.

“He’ll go back home for a easy few days before the Miracle Mile Carnival comes along,” McCarthy said.

HOOFNOTE: King Of Swing became just the sixth dual Hunter Cup winner since its inauguration in 1949 when won by Silver Peak.

Sheffield Globe was the ground breaker in 1961 and ’62, with the ‘Super Six’ including Monara (1973, and ’74) and ’78 and Blossom Lady (1994 and ’95).