By Nick Berney
Kingdom Of Logres is primed to peak third-up in the Richmond Club Benchmark 64 Handicap over 2000m at Hawkesbury on Thursday, bringing a strong profile to this assignment.
The Annabel Neasham-trained galloper flew home first-up over an unsuitable distance at Kembla Grange, and he had the race shape against him. The clock backed up his late visual strength, with the gelding recording strong closing sectionals relative to the day.
Trainer Annabel Neasham.Credit: Racing Photos
He then stepped sharply up in distance last start at Newcastle, and although controlling the speed, he was ridden up early to take a spot.
The four-year-old battled on well and indicated he is now ready to improve.
Further, he was a dominant winner the last time he was third-up over 2000m.
His usual rider, Heavelon Van Der Hoven, sticks with him, and the inside draw will allow him to find cover and conserve energy throughout the trip.
From a ratings perspective, he has the best last-start figure, and any improvement will make him hard to hold out.
Got An Inspiration looms as a key danger. He comes through the same race, and his run was much better than the form guide reads.
He wasn’t suited to the pace of the race and ran on well, running fast closing splits.
The Mark Minervini galloper is another runner who is now at optimal fitness.
Another intriguing race on the card is the TAB We’re On Midway Maiden Plate (1400m), which has a strong battle at the top of the betting market.
Good Once finds a winnable race, and he was brave last-start at Wyong.
The four-year-old was caught out on a limb throughout transit, pushed even wider on the turn, but to his credit he tried hard to the line.
He is rock-hard fit; coming through time/sectional merit races and getting back onto a bigger track is ideal.
Wild Flash is the early favourite who drops back from metropolitan grade, and he was honest first-up after always facing the breeze in a genuine tempo.
He’ll be fitter and draws to have all favours.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
