Regally-bred colt scores impressive maiden victory

[Wandering Eyes]

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are excited about the future with regally-bred colt King’s English after he broke through for his maiden win in impressive fashion at Te Aroha on Wednesday.

A son of Snitzel, King’s English is out of dual Group One winner English, who also placed on four occasions at elite-level, including a runner-up performance in the Golden Slipper (1200m).

He was purchased at last year’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Te Akau principal David Ellis for A$700,000 and made a good impression at the trials as a juvenile, winning and finishing runner-up in his two heats.

He placed in two this season before making his debut at Taupo in September where he finished third over 1200m before returning to the same track a month later to post the same result over 1100m.

Punters took note and backed him into $1.60 favouritism for Wednesday’s Diprose Miller Maiden 1150, and he duly delivered.

Jockey Craig Grylls was positive out of the gates, sending King’s English forward from his wide alley in search of the lead, but I’ll Be Home Soon punched up on the inside to maintain his advantage on the rail.

The pair went head-to-head and opened up several lengths on the rest of the field. They held that advantage heading into the home straight, and while I’ll Be Home Soon began to tire, King’s English continued his forward momentum and kicked clear to win by 5-3/4 lengths.

Co-trainer Sam Bergerson was pleased with the dominant performance.

“He was electric,” he said. “We thought they had gone pretty hard early, and obviously the other leader weakened off, but he kept going right through the line and he is just going from strength-to-strength this horse.

“A bit of time between runs he was feeling very well and it was good to see him put in a performance like that.

“He is putting on a bit of weight and he is certainly going the right way as we head into some nice races potentially for him.

“It’s an exciting time for the ownership group and hopefully he can go on with it.”

Grylls was just as impressed with the colt’s performance, and he believes King’s English has a bright future in-store.

“He was impressive,” Grylls said.

“It was pretty easy. He travelled really nice and had a very nice kick on him today. He definitely franked that form today (of his first two runs) and he is going to be one that goes on with it too.

“He’s a really well-bred colt, is a good mover and a nice horse in general.”

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