King primed to reclaim throne

FRESH from being named Australian Horse of the Year, King Of Swing has served notice he is on target to reclaim another of his thrones.

A few days ago King Of Swing was bestowed the national honour, which saw him become the ninth pacer to win the title at least twice since its inception in 1976.

The mighty Gammalite was the first in 1982 and ’83, followed by Village Kid (1986 and ’88), Westburn Grant (1989, ’91 and ’92), Our Sir Vancelot (1997, ’98 and ’99), Sokyola (2004 and ’05), Blacks A Fake (2007, ’08 and ‘10), Im Themightyquinn (2011, ’12 and’13) and Beautide (2014 and ‘15).

Returning from a seven-week break, King Of Swing was too good for his rivals at Club Menangle last night as trainer Belinda McCarthy readies the son of Rocknroll Hanover for next weekend’s A G Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton.

King Of Swing captured the 2020 edition of the time-honoured Grand Circuit event before finishing third behind Lochinvar Art and Alta Orlando last year.

“He had the perfect build up to last night and the run will do him the world of good,” McCarthy said. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the way things have come along for the Hunter Cup next Saturday night.

“He’ll be in ideal condition, now we just have to wait and see how the draw shapes.”

With McCarthy’s husband, Luke, holding the reins, King Of Swing worked to the lead from barrier 10 before completing a metre-and-a-half win from Zeuss Bromac.

Ellmers Image was three metres away third.

Rating 1:54.1 over 2300 metres, King Of Swing extended his record to 41 wins and 18 placings from 79 starts for earnings of $2,501,046.