The Hawkesbury Gold Cup was not initially planned for Sea King, yet trainer Matthew Dunn views it as a key milestone in the gelding’s recovery from a tendon issue.
The winner of the 2024 Bendigo Cup encountered problems following a midfield effort in his debut under Dunn during that year’s Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick, leading to a 15-month layoff.
This Saturday represents his third outing since resuming, though delayed by a week after being withdrawn from last weekend’s Brisbane event due to the surface turning heavy.
Although the 1600m distance of the Hawkesbury Gold Cup falls short of Sea King’s ideal range, Dunn anticipates a solid showing to pave the way for extended distances ahead.
“He’s still very competitive on the track and keen to do his work,” Dunn said.
“The horse is still there, it’s just a matter of being nice and patient. I’m lucky I’ve got a great bunch of owners that are happy to roll with me.
“Ideally, we wouldn’t be going all the way to Sydney for a race that is short of his right trip, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.
“There isn’t going to be much on for him here (in Queensland). We’ve had a lot of wet weather and we’re trying to find the right track surface to build his foundation and get him back to where he needs to be.”
Sam Clipperton takes the ride on Sea King from the inside gate, and based on the result, Dunn plans to return the gelding to Queensland for the Chairman’s Handicap (2000m) at Doomben on May 16, or possibly opt for a quick seven-day backup into the Gosford Gold Cup (2100m).
Further down the line, the Brisbane Cup (3200m) could be on the cards should Sea King regain his peak form.
“He will probably come home after Saturday. If not, he could stay down for the Gosford Cup. We’ll see how he goes Saturday, how he comes through it, and work it out,” Dunn said.
“But probably the Chairman’s will be his next run over 2000 metres. There’s also the Hollindale Stakes, but it’s a weight-for-age race and his rating isn’t that high anymore.”
The $250,000 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) forms part of four stakes events on Saturday’s dedicated card, drawing a full field of 16 led by Coolmore Classic placer Vivy Air along with reliable Victorian visitor Taken for Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
Explore the top Australian betting sites to find the best markets for the Hawkesbury Gold Cup.
