If ever a horse has had a solid foundation for a 3200 metre feature race it is country stayer High Kingczar.
The six year-old, a forgotten horse at $26 with TAB Sportsbet for Saturday’s Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes, has contested nearly half of his 46 career runs in the past six months.
The Ramsden will be his 21st start this campaign, which began on November 3 last year and has resulted in him racing almost 43,000 metres.
With so many kilometres in his legs he more than satisfies the time-honoured 10,000 metres Bart Cummings requires for his horses heading into the 3200 metres of a Melbourne Cup.
High Kingczar is one of only two horses trained by accountant Michael Ryan, who is looking for his biggest pay day at Flemington on Saturday.
The gelding’s last start third behind Dame Claire and Almodovar over 2800 metres at Flemington two weeks ago was a super trial for the Ramsden.
High Kingczar meets both gallopers 2kg better on Saturday and he was strong at the end of 3000 metres when beaten a long neck at Moonee Valley on March 12.
“He’s out of a Jeune mare and if he’s better at the 3200 metres, which we hope, he should be right in the finish on Saturday,” Ryan said.
He said that despite his long campaign, High Kingczar appeared to be improving.
“He’s incredibly consistent and just loves racing,” Ryan said.
“He shows no signs of stress and he probably looks better now than he did a month ago.
“He looks fantastic.”
During his past 20 starts, High Kingczar has posted consecutive wins at Mornington and Kilmore in January while also registering placings at Bendigo, Moonee Valley, Sale (twice), Werribee, Bendigo and Flemington.
The Ramsden would be his first city victory and the $90,000 winner’s cheque would nearly double his prizemoney earnings during a career which has featured six wins and 10 minor placings.
Former New Zealander Maythehorsebemagic ($3.30) is the Ramsden favourite despite disappointing when eighth in the Warrnambool Cup.
Prior to that he scored a four-length win at his Australian debut at Caulfield on April 9.
Almodovar ($4), jumper Kirribilli Gold ($5) – a six-length winner on the flat at Sandown last week, Streaky Fella ($6.50) and Dame Claire ($7.50) are others prominent in the market.
