Sparingly raced sprinter Kings Of Leon has delivered the type of city win trainer Matthew Smith had always hoped for in scoring at Warwick Farm.
Emerging from a pocket in the McGrath Estate Agents Handicap (1100m), Kings Of Leon ($5.50) produced a turn of speed that had the race won soon after.
“It was good to see him put it together today,” Smith said.
“He has always shown from day one what he could do but he was explosive there.
“He is starting to learn to relax in his races and that’s a good sign for the future.”
Kings Of Leon settled midfield and Tye Angland backed himself to make his run between horses rather than commit the three-year wider on the track.
His decision paid off at the 150m when Kings Of Leon sliced between runners before beating the favourite Spending To Win ($3.10) by three quarters of a length.
It was Kings Of Leon’s first win at metropolitan level after victories at Gosford and Tamworth but Smith is certain it won’t be his last.
“He’s definitely got a bright future. A smart horse in the making, I’d say,” Smith said.