King reigns supreme in Cup

A FEW easy days then on to the next mission.

That’s what is in store for King Of Swing according to trainer Craig Cross.

Triumphant in tonight’s A G Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton, King Of Swing will return to Cross’ New South Wales base for a brief let-up tomorrow morning.

Cross will then prime the son of Rocknroll Hanover for the famed Carnival Of Miracles in Menangle.

Cross has earmarked one of the Group One Sprints on February 29, and should all go to plan, King Of Swing will then take his position in the $1million Ainsworth Miracle Mile.

Australasia’s premier sprint is scheduled to be conducted around the 1400-metre circuit on March 7.

“Back home for a few easy days now,” Cross said. “At least it will be a lot cooler heading home than it was getting here.

“We travelled down last night and he was as hot getting off the float as he is now having just won the Hunter Cup.

“Obviously the trip did him no harm, but a freshen-up will do him good.

“He’ll just be kept ticking along at home and go into the Sprints next.”

Gaining a Hunter Cup start as the emergency, King Of Swing was rated to perfection by Gary Hall junior, who made the last-minute flight from Western Australia to partner the gelding.

Beginning quickly to lead from the pole King Of Swing received no pressure until the home straight when Our Uncle Sam was angled away from the pegs to issue a challenge.

Digging deep during the concluding stages King Of Swing staved off Our Uncle Sam to score by a half-head, with Chase Auckland five metres away third.

Having his third start for Cross – for two wins and a second – the five-year-old rated 1:55.4 over 2760 metres.