King Pedro defies odds in thrilling Grafton Cup victory

King Pedro has cemented his credentials for the spring staying races following an exceptional display to win the Listed Grafton Cup, navigating a slow-paced affair.

Trainer Tom Charlton, observing from his Sydney base, admitted to initial apprehension regarding the track's bias against backmarkers. These nerves were amplified when Tahlia Fenlon, on the front-running Kaluakoi, deliberately dictated a leisurely pace throughout the race.

"I've been watching the races all day and I was a bit concerned because nothing was making ground. The track is a good three, they missed all the rain, and it looked a tricky set-up for him," Charlton revealed. "Early on in the race, I was very concerned. They didn't have the splits up, but it looked like they were going thirteen-and-a-half (seconds to the furlong). It wasn't pretty and it probably didn't test the horse's best assets, but credit to the horse, he picked himself up and overcame it."

Charlton lauded jockey Kerrin McEvoy's cool demeanour under pressure, stating the rider never faltered despite the race's unconventional progression.

Instead, McEvoy placed his faith in the recent Stayers Cup victor, unleashing King Pedro ($2.30 fav) with a powerful late run down the centre of the course to defeat Etna Rosso ($18) and Kaluakoi ($11). King Pedro was returned at $2.30 as the favourite with online bookmakers.

This was the maiden Grafton Cup (2350m) triumph for the jockey, a celebrated three-time Melbourne Cup winner, who was delighted to deliver for the owners.

"When I got him into the clear, he had a lot of ground to make up, but full credit to the horse. He powered and he was really hitting the line hard," McEvoy commented to Sky Racing. "It's nice to pull it off. He's a horse that is hopefully going to go to nicer staying races in the spring."

Charlton concurred, confirming King Pedro would enjoy a short spell before commencing preparations for a carnival campaign.

The Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick in October is a likely target, and based on Thursday's commanding win, Charlton indicated they could plan with confidence.

"For sure. He'll have a little freshen up on the way home and we'll have a think about what races we aim for, but a race like the Metropolitan wouldn't be a silly idea," he added. Explore the latest racing betting markets available.