Kingman's NZ Cup bid to be known tomorrow

Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she's (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column.

By Brittany Graham 

Is Kingman coming?

That question will be answered tomorrow (Thursday) by his owner Mick Harvey on whether the $28,750 late payment is lodged for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup.

Another hurdle was jumped today, however, at Club Menangle when the four-year-old stallion safely negotiated the tapes to gain his standing start qualification.

“He stepped nicely and felt super” said his trainer/driver Luke McCarthy.

“It was nice work the last three quarters on a wet track”.

The son of Always B Miki then recorded an overall mile rate of 1.54.1 seconds with quarters of 30.7, 28.4, 28.3 and 26.7.

The last start winner of the Group 1 Victoria Cup is currently the $6 third favourite with TAB despite not yet being confirmed in the field.

Meanwhile, Leap To Fame has completed his necessary checks post his return to the winner’s circle on Saturday night and his trip is back on track.

“He will have a couple of reasonable workouts here in Melbourne before the flight across Monday,” said Grant Dixon when he joined The Box Seat this week.

“Now it’s a case of keeping him ticking over and getting on the plane to get over there.”

And when it comes to two-time defending champion Swayzee, he can solidify his trip with a forward showing when he lines up in a 1609metre free-for-all at Menangle on Saturday at 10.03pm NZT.