Trainer Joe Pride initially aimed to avoid Sydney’s premier sprinters for King’s Secret this spring. However, the gelding’s two encouraging comeback runs have led to a change of plans.
The five-year-old showed a strong finish from the rear when fourth behind Tempted in the Concorde Stakes (1000m). He then again performed beyond expectations, finishing a close third to Mazu and Joliestar in The Shorts (1100m).
These performances have secured him a spot in Saturday’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) field, and Pride believes King’s Secret is well-placed to be competitive.
“The idea was to take him to Melbourne when I started the ‘prep’ thinking we might need to get out of Sydney because they’d be too good for him,” Pride stated.
“The two runs have given me a little bit of confidence they’re not too good for him, and he’s made a pretty big leap from where he was last preparation.
“After the two runs, you’d say he’s among that top group of sprinters now.”
The Sydney Stakes (1200m), held on the Everest undercard, is the probable next destination for King’s Secret following this weekend’s engagement.
As a half-brother to Pride’s seasoned performer Private Eye, the gelding bears a striking resemblance to his successful sibling, with one notable distinction.
“Those little (Matryoshka) dolls that are exactly the same and fit inside one another – he’s like the littlest one and Private Eye is the biggest one,” Pride explained.
“There’s about five sizes in between, but they’re identical.”
King’s Secret will be one of three runners from the stable in the Premiere Stakes, joined by the revitalised Mazu and Weeping Woman.
Pride concedes that Weeping Woman’s initial run in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) was disappointing, but anticipates a much-improved performance if the predicted rain arrives, despite her current $41 quote.
“I can only take out of the run that she didn’t like the firm track,” he said.
“If it’s a bit of a wet track, she will be there and can bounce back.”
Godolphin mare Tempted is the dominant favourite in Premiere Stakes betting at $1.55 and is the sole runner among the 15 acceptors priced in single figures.
King’s Secret and Mazu are both listed at $26.
For those looking to back the favourite, check out these Australian betting sites for the best odds on Tempted.