Kingswood has experienced a significant transformation since joining Gavin Bedggood’s stable.

Initially starting his racing career in Ireland, Kingswood had a brief period with Maddie Raymond in Warrnambool before being transferred to the Bedggood yard in mid-2024. Upon arrival, he secured victories in his first two starts at Caulfield, notably clinching the Coongy Cup over 2000 metres.

By late 2026, Bedggood made the bold decision to send Kingswood to New Zealand, where the gelding achieved a Group 1 triumph at Ellerslie.

Following a recent first-up win at Caulfield against stablemate Just Folk in the Heatherlie Stakes (1700m) last month, Kingswood is set to face his first major Group 1 challenge on Australian turf in the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield this Saturday.

Although also nominated for the Naturalism Stakes (2000m) on the same day’s program, Bedggood confirmed that the Underwood Stakes had always been the intended target. “I threw in a nom for the Naturalism in case something happened,” Bedggood disclosed. “He’s as good as I could have him and he’s improved from his first-up run and I suppose Saturday will be a good test to see where he sits against that calibre of horse.”

Kingswood has drawn the outermost barrier in a field of seven runners. This number was reduced by one due to the scratching of Aeliana, who will instead compete in the 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.

Bedggood expressed confidence in Kingswood’s fitness following his Heatherlie Stakes victory, believing the horse has continued to progress. “He was pretty screwed down first-up but with improvement to come,” Bedggood stated. “He definitely hasn’t regressed. His coat has improved and his last two Monday mornings have been great, so I wouldn’t swap my horse for any other in the race.”

Saturday’s race will serve as a stepping stone to either the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 3 or the Might And Power (2000m) at Caulfield one week later.

Kingswood carries 55kg for the Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17 and is currently ranked 20th in the ballot order after weights were released on Thursday. The Cox Plate (2000m) at Flemington on October 24 has not been discounted.

“Everything is on the table at the moment, but his next two runs will tell us where we sit,” Bedggood commented. “My gut feeling tells me he’s not sharp enough at 10 furlongs for a Cox Plate.”

You can find the best racing odds for the Underwood Stakes at leading Australian betting sites.