King swings back to Menangle

By Adam Hamilton

AUSTRALIA’S most decorated pacer King Of Swing returns to racing at Menangle on Saturday night.

The dual Miracle Mile winner will start from an outside draw (gate eight) in a 2300m free-for-all where his major rivals include stablemates Star Galleria (six) and Bright Energy (five).

It’s the first of two Menangle runs for King Of Swing before he heads north to defend his Group 1 Blacks A Fake crown at Albion Park on July 24.

Driver Luke McCarthy confirmed King Of Swing would also tackle the Group 1 Sunshine Sprint the week before the Blacks A Fake.

“We’re really pleased with how he’s come back,” McCarthy said. “As I said after his trial last week, he’s been ready to go for a while so he’s quite forward for this week.

“Of course he’ll improve on whatever he does, but he’s pretty close to mark after the work he’s done and the trial.”

Stablemate and NSW’s benchmark mare Bettor Enforce also resumes Saturday night.

It’s a serious challenge for her against top-flight mare Rocknroll Angel (gate seven) and the rapidly-improving The Stunning Nun (five).

McCarthy confirmed exciting new stable adding Spirit Of St Louis, who sparkled on debut for the barn at Goulburn last Friday, would have his next start in Brisbane at Albion Park on June 19.

Another highlight of the Menangle meeting will be former Kiwi three-year-old Vincent Van Gone’s quest to remain unbeaten since joining the stables of Tiger Tara’s former trainer Kevin Pizzuto.

It’s a fascinating race with former Kiwi and now Victorian-based Aladdin, who has looked terrific winning both Aussie runs for trainer Greg Norman, adding to the depth.

Aladdin, who boasts gate speed, has a slight barrier advantage in six with Vincent Van Gone in seven.

The promising Soho Brandenburg (two), Popps Boy (five) and Freason (eight) add further intrigue to the race.