Swinging either way
It’s not often David Butcher doesn’t have a clear idea of how he expects a race to pan out when he is driving one of the favourites.
But that’s the case at Addington today in the Group 1 $170,000 Sires Stakes Final for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Butcher drives King Of Swing for Pukekohe trainer Ray Green and the combination, which was successful in the Australasian Breeders Crown in August, have drawn the ace.
Ordinarily drawing one over the 1950-metre sprint at Addington is a blessing, but in a race like the Sires Stakes Final, which is packed with talent, that can often not be the case.
A charge of the light brigade off the mobile means a guaranteed early burn for King Of Swing and then Butcher has to decide if he wants to hand up, and if so who to, because he might soon find himself three or even four back on
‘‘I think there is eight in there that are as good as each other.’’
David Butcher
the markers. Butcher says King Of Swing will suit a hard pace and is well-prepared for an equine ‘street fight’. ‘‘The way I expect the race to go, that style will suit him – going hard.’’
So, which of the plethora of good horses he faces tomorrow does Butcher respect the most?
‘‘I think there is eight in there that are as good as each other. Spankem is probably the one to beat but the question is how much has he improved since his last run? Alta Maestro may have the most gate speed and I would expect he’ll come forward too.’’