There is no better pointer to the ability of two-year-old King Of The North than the simple fact he will be running at Doomben.
King Of The North will be having his second race start in the Sky Racing Handicap (1200m) – a race looming as the most interesting on Saturday’s card.
Many of the state’s best early-season youngsters are in the race and headed to the Magic Millions Classic or Sydney autumn carnival.
King Of The North is trained at Caloundra by Mick Mair who has been one of Queensland’s most successful trainers since he moved north from Warwick Farm 30 years ago.
His best horses have included Oakleigh Plate winner Swiss Ace, prolific performer Burglar Of Banff, Kidman’s Cove, Dr Zachary, Ombra Della Sera and Rezone.
But is rare for Mair to have a two-year-old runner in Brisbane before Christmas.
King Of The North earned his chance with an impressive win at the Sunshine Coast three weeks ago.
He burst out of the barriers and gave a display of sustained speed to beat Saturday rival Bard of Armagh by 2-1/4 lengths.
“He has always shown us something but you never know until you get them to the races. He deserves a go in town on that run,” Mair said.
One thing about King Of The North has kept Mair smiling.
“I have lost count of the people who have told me he is a typical Show A Heart (a top sire). He is big like the Show A Hearts but he is actually by Rothesay,” Mair said.
