By Neil Evans
An emerging home track star can make one giant leap for his stable at Monday’s feature Newcastle meeting on the Beaumont track.
Bred by Gerry Harvey, three-year-old King’s Duty takes the not often seen step up from maiden company to Benchmark 66 over 1350m for the local Mark Minervini stable.
Racing returns to Newcastle on Monday.Credit:Getty
A powerfully built and untapped son of 2015 Group 1 Golden Rose winner Exosphere, King’s Duty announced his arrival in style on debut at this track a fortnight ago, bounding to the front in heavy ground over 1150m and giving nothing else a chance.
He quickly proved what power he had, lumping 57.5kg through the mud from a wider gate to win by nearly three lengths.
And any punters concerned he may be a wet-tracker need only to cast back through his unbeaten trial form prior.
While two of those trial wins at Scone and Wyong came in Soft 6 going, he was even more impressive at his only hit-out on firm ground, bolting in at Muswellbrook over 900m by nearly four lengths.
Even more telling was the horse he easily beat that day then came out and won first-up; while the third placegetter from that trial stormed home to miss by a whisker, resuming in a very handy maiden at Scone.
Whichever way you assess it, King’s Duty looks way above average, and bound for much bigger races.
Originally first reserve in the final field for Monday’s battle to close the meeting, King’s Duty was quickly guaranteed a run with a few early withdrawals.
He draws to roll forward again on a surface which may even play firmer than a Good 4, and certainly there’s been excitement galore in the trainer’s voice.
“He is still a bit raw, but is strong and powerful, which the Exosphere offspring can be,” Minervini said recently.
“There’s really good ability there. I don’t want to put the mock on him this early, but I’m hoping he might measure up and be a city class horse.”
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
