Progressive stayer King Pedro will attempt to continue his rise through the staying ranks when he lines up in Thursday’s Grafton Cup (2350m).
Trainer Tom Charlton believes the lightly raced New Zealand-bred has earned his chance in the Listed feature after an impressive victory in the Stayers Cup at Rosehill last start.
The four-year-old son of Eminent has enjoyed an excellent campaign despite enduring little luck in several starts.
King Pedro finished seventh over 1600 metres at Randwick after encountering significant traffic problems before chasing home the winner over 2100 metres at Gosford.
He then went within a nose of victory in a 2000-metre event at Rosehill before breaking through in dominant fashion in the Stayers Cup over 2400 metres.
“He’s had an excellent campaign,” Charlton said.
“He was a bit unfortunate in a couple of his runs prior to the Stayers Cup, but he got the job done in impressive style last time.
“He is versatile in terms of trip.
“He might stay further than a mile and a half, which is excellent, but I think the Grafton Cup will be a good trip for him.
“There’s a chance of a bit of rain on Thursday, which I don’t think would harm him. He’s got that sort of lightly raced progressive profile, which should see him fit in well.”
Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to ride King Pedro, who heads the market as the $2 favourite with leading betting apps Australia for Thursday’s feature.
Grafton Cup Odds
