Fresh from Think About It’s victory in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday, Joe Pride has another prong to his springtime focus after King Of The Castle’s win at Warwick Farm.
A berth in The Big Dance, worth $2 million over a mile, is Pride’s aim for the lightly raced six-year-old and a win in one of the 28 eligible Country Cup races in New South Wales can see the gelding reach the Sydney feature on November 7.
“With 62-kilos on his back, I think it was a fair effort today,” Pride said after the running of the Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1600m).
“I’d love to get him to one of the country cups – South Grafton or Coffs (Harbour) – as they’re both Big Dance qualifiers because in the spring I think he could be a Big Dance or Little Dance horse.”
Starting the $1.75 Neds favourite, Nash Rawiller was aboard the gelding in recording King Of The Castle’s fifth win in 16 starts with three minor placings.
The South Grafton Cup comes up on July 9 while the Coffs Harbour Cup follows in early August.
With both events run over 1600-metres, Pride believes the pathway from a King’s Birthday Holiday win to November success is achievable.
“A mile, I think, is his pet trip,” he added.
