Restrictions putting Cup title defence at risk

CONCERNS relating to Covid restrictions are putting King Of Swing’s title defence at risk.

Successful in last season’s A G Hunter Cup after gaining a start as the emergency, King Of Swing is being primed for the Grand Circuit event by trainer Craig Cross.

Whether the son of Rocknroll Hanover contests the Group One, however, remains to be seen.

The A G Hunter Cup is scheduled to be conducted at Tabcorp Park Melton on February 6.

“Who knows whether he will go to the Cup or whether it will even be on?” Cross said.

“With the lockdowns spreading and the border between New South Wales and Victoria all but closed at the moment it’s not looking good.

“Gary (Hall junior) won’t be coming over from Western Australia to drive him in the Cup like he did last year and Luke (McCarthy) can’t be quarantined for two weeks to drive him either.

“I’m not even sure if we can send a staff member down with him and some of the other horses which are being aimed at the majors during the next few weeks.”

Pushing ahead as though King Of Swing will make his way to Victoria, Cross will head to Club Menangle on Saturday night with the stallion.

With McCarthy to take the reins, King Of Swing has drawn the outside of the front row over 2300 metres.

“He had a nice little freshen up after racing in Queensland a few weeks ago and feels terrific,” Cross said.

“He’s ready to go and I can’t see the draw being a problem.”

Cross also has Victorian plans for rising star Expensive Ego which was triumphant around the 1400-metre circuit last weekend.

Unbeaten from three starts for Cross, Expensive Ego boasts nine wins and a second from 11 starts.

Expensive Ego has drawn barrier 10 over a mile.

The dual Group One winning Australian Pacing Gold graduate slots into eight with the removal of the emergency.

“He’s a very nice horse, always has been,” Cross said. “I think so highly of him that I’d rate him a danger to King Of Swing in Saturday night’s open class event.

“The Four-Year-Old Bonanza in Melton is what I have him mind for him, but the same with King Of Swing, who knows if he will go?”