Age Of Kings might be down on confidence, but Chris Waller hasn’t given up hope of helping him rediscover some of his European form, even if it doesn’t happen this weekend.
The winner of the 2023 Group 3 Jersey Stakes (1408m) at Royal Ascot, Age Of Kings was purchased with that year’s Golden Eagle in mind but didn’t manage to reproduce his overseas results.
He remains winless in six local starts and after failing to beat a rival home first-up in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m), he is at long odds for Saturday’s Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) at Scone.
However, Waller says it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the five-year-old and feels the horse still has something to offer if they can get on top of some niggling physical and mental issues.
“Age Of Kings is a work in progress,” Waller said.
“He has just lost confidence. He has got a few little issues that we are slowly getting on top of and once we get there, I’m sure he can be running in better races.”
Stablemate Chrysaor resumes in the same race looking to add to his impressive record of two wins and a placing from six first-up runs.
He posted a Listed victory at Flemington on return last campaign and has prepared for Saturday’s Scone feature with two barrier trials.
“He won at Flemington last prep first-up over 1400 metres, he has drawn well and it’s the right type of race for him,” Waller said
“He will run really well.”
Rory Hutchings will ride Chrysaor a half-kilo over at 56kg with Kerrin Mcevoy to partner Age Of Kings.
