King Pedro returns to winning form in Stayers Cup

Tom Charlton's primary feeling was one of relief as King Pedro, following a string of frustratingly unlucky performances, delivered a commanding display to win the Stayers Cup at Rosehill.

Having not tasted victory since a win at Gosford in November, the lightly raced gelding had secured second place in four of his subsequent five outings. Charlton confessed to feeling anxious about his charge, the even-money favourite with many online bookmakers, performing on Saturday.

"I'm a bit nervous because I feel like the horse has been quite unfortunate for a lot of this preparation," Charlton stated. "I'm relieved for the owners and staff and horse that he has managed to get the job done."

He further commented, "He's a really nice stayer. He will definitely make a better grade, and a good grade, in time. He is effective on all ground, effective at 2000 to 2400 (metres), and he could be effective over even further in time."

King Pedro is a progeny of Eminent, a stallion based in New Zealand and a son of Frankel, who has limited recognition in Australia. This four-year-old was recognised by the stable as a promising stayer after finishing sixth, from an outside gate, in the 2025 New Zealand Derby (2400m). Charlton expressed his hope that the horse could ascend back to superior company.

The next target is anticipated to be the Grafton Cup (2350m) early next month, with aspirations of contesting races like The Metropolitan (2400m) thereafter.

"Those are the sort of races, maybe a Sydney Cup some day," Charlton remarked. "Whether it comes too soon, but we do feel he could make it into a race like that. He is still quite an unfurnished horse so there is plenty more to come."

Charlton elaborated on the decision-making for the gelding's upcoming races: "We toyed with the idea of going to Caloundra (Cup) next weekend, but we thought the option of an easier race to try to win, and then potentially go to something nicer was probably more suitable."

Under jockey Kerrin McEvoy, King Pedro, the $2 favourite, achieved a comfortable margin of victory, crossing the line three lengths ahead of Pinhole ($6). The outsider Masoun ($101) secured third place, a short neck behind the runner-up.

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