Kingswood's Zipping Classic target before Hong Kong Vase plans
While a lead-up run at Sandown before heading to Hong Kong for December's major meeting is somewhat unusual in the current racing schedule, trainer Gavin Bedggood is approaching the challenge with confidence.
Kingswood delivered a surprise victory for many when he won at $26 in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17. Although he is not expected to be at those odds again this Saturday at Sandown, his trainer is anticipating a strong performance prior to his departure for the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) on December 13.
The six-year-old gelding received his first mandatory inoculation for the trip only a few days after his Caulfield Cup success, with his booster planned for a few days post his next start in the Group 2 Zipping Classic (2400m).
"Four weeks between runs allowed us to give him a quiet week and we'd had to tighten the screws again since," Bedggood stated following Kingswood's gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday.
"I'd like to see him win again this week. To be going over there and racing on the world stage, he'd have to be winning or being unlucky not to win for me not to want to go."
Should he win, Kingswood would be the first Caulfield Cup winner to contest the Zipping Classic in the same year since Bunratty Castle achieved the feat in 1968.
Back then, Bunratty Castle competed under handicap conditions carrying 8 stone 11 pounds, which is just over 55.5kg. In contrast, Kingswood will carry 59kg under the prevailing weight-for-age conditions.
Bedggood is keen to field a competitive runner in Hong Kong and has adhered to the same disciplined routine that allowed him to quickly resume normal training following the Caulfield Cup victory.
"When I got to work on the Monday morning and you have to open the front gate at 2:45am, it was back to normal," he added.
The trainer was pleased with the grey's workout at Caulfield on Tuesday, which preceded his return to the racetrack at Sandown.
Kingswood is currently the second favourite at $4 in the early markets for the Zipping Classic, with Joseph O'Brien's charge Small Fry leading the market at $2.10.
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