King Of Sparta primed to claim Group 1 crown
King Of Sparta is the onetime problem child who can turn into a Group 1 winner on Saturday, with trainer Paul Snowden saying the time is right for the consistent sprinter to shine at the top level.
Once a fierce colt who would overdo things in the run, Snowden said King Of Sparta is primed to get the run of the race in Saturday’s $1m Kingsford Smith Cup from barrier two.
The gelding has done his best work in Queensland, winning the Magic Millions Guineas, Magic Millions Sprint and Falvelon in the Sunshine State.
Connections are looking to add a Group 1 to that resume, with jockey Chad Schofield trying to grab his first Group 1 since winning the Queensland Derby on the same day in 2014.
The four-year-old resumed with a slashing second behind Rothfire in the Group 2
Victory Stakes (1200m) after a tricky run in transit, something Snowden said shouldn’t be a problem on Saturday.
“We thought he ran well in the Oakleigh Plate, it was probably a touch too short for him (1100m), but he ran well regardless,” Snowden said. “He got a pair further back the other day, it was a different story if he had drawn a plum gate, that is vital to his chances here on Saturday.
“We got screwed early in the race, something came out and we were cutting three-deep for a 100 yards or so and then Paulele came up inside us. “The horse has always had loads of talent but early on he was his own worst enemy because he was a very aggressive horse who needed speed on to produce his best.
“Now he has learnt to relax and he can adapt to a slow speed, he can be much handier from a good draw.”