Newnham hails the rapid rise of King

TRAINER Mark Newnham described King Frankel’s rate of improvement this preparation as astonishing and will aim the boom stayer at the Sydney Cup next autumn.

Former English stayer King Frankel scored his third win from four starts since joining the Newnham stable when he made a statement at Newcastle last Saturday by dominating his rivals in The Beauford.

“King Frankel has certainly come along quickly in the last six or seven weeks,’’ Newnham (pictured) said.

“When he first came to me, he could not go 15s to the furlong (a200m) but you have to give these imported horses the chance to acclimatise to the different way we train and feed them here.

“The level of improvement in his work has been astonishing really and it wasn’t a shock to me when he got such a comfortable lead at Newcastle that he was able to let down like that.’’

King Frankel ran the fastest final 600m sectional of The Hunter meeting when he dashed home in 33.62s to win The Beauford (2300m) easily.

The stayer also convinced Newnham he was up to autumn carnival standard.

“I’m going to send King Frankel to the paddock, give him three weeks off,’’ Newnham told Big Sports Breakfast.

“Then he will most likely return in the Parramatta Cup, a Listed race over 1900m at Rosehill on February 18.

“The plan would then be to go to races like the Manion Cup and Chairman’s Handicap to give him the chance to qualify for the Sydney Cup.

“I’m certain he will run a strong 2400m but it is an extra pain barrier when they go to two miles (a3200m) and you are never quite sure if they will stay the trip until you run them.