After a spring that has been nothing short of remarkable, trainer Gavin Bedggood is looking towards Hong Kong for Kingswood following his Zipping Classic triumph.
Kingswood etched his name into the annals of staying race history, securing a coveted double that hasn’t been achieved in nearly sixty years. This victory in the Zipping Classic marks a significant achievement, echoing the feat of Bunratty Castle back in 1968, who claimed both the Caulfield Cup and Sandown Cup when they were handicap events.
The modern Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m) operates under weight-for-age conditions, and Kingswood is charting an unconventional course, with his next engagement being the prestigious Group 1 Hong Kong Vase over the same distance at Sha Tin on December 13.
“I watched him gallop here on Tuesday morning and thought he was close to a good thing off his work,” Bedggood said. “And then watching the rain unfold this morning, it was like drawing barrier 20 in the Caulfield Cup all over again. I just thought his hopes were dashed.
“The track received an upgrade on our way here today, and I had a good walk, and I thought it was probably getting towards a Soft 6.”
In a thrilling finish to the line, Kingswood, the $3.80 favourite, narrowly defeated Juja Kibo, the Group 1 Melbourne Cup third-placegetter ($4.60), by a short-half-head. Joseph O’Brien’s charge, Small Fry ($3.50), finished a half-neck back in third.
The international journey for Kingswood is set to commence with a flight to Hong Kong on November 30, granting Bedggood and the connections a two-week preparation period for the race previously won by luminaries such as Red Cadeaux, Highland Reel, and Dunaden.
“I think it gives him 13 days to sort of settle in and tighten the screws,” Bedggood commented.
“He’ll have one good gallop over there, I guess, and have him in tip top order hopefully.”
This venture to Hong Kong will be a maiden voyage for the successful jockey, John Allen.
“I have never been so I am looking forward to that,” Allen expressed.
“I’m sure Gavin and his team won’t send him there if he hasn’t pulled up 100 per-cent. Hopefully if he is on his A-game he can put on a good show there.”
For those looking to get involved, explore the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.
