Kingman outsprints Swayzee in surprise

Outstanding pacer Swayzee had his colours lowered when up and comer Kingman (Always B Miki) outsprinted him in a stirring finish in the Cobbity Equine Farm Pace at Menangle Park on Saturday evening.

Having just his second start this time in Swayzee was expected to run a more improved race after resuming in sixth place in the Len Smith Mile on 6 September.

Kingman who was heavily supported as a solid second favourite was drawn the inside of Swayzee. Luke McCarthy forged to the lead but eventually decided to take the sit behind Swayzee who worked to the front soon after.

KINGMAN OCT 4 REPLAY

It was obvious a long way from home that these two would fight out the finish. There was an expectation when Kingman eased off the rails to issue his challenge at the top of the home straight. Showing his usual determination Swayzee fought on gamely but on the night Kingman was the better horse and prevailed by two metres from Swayzee with Beach Ball three metres away third.

A scintillating last quarter of 26.6 seconds helped the overall mile rate of 1.53.6.

Luke McCarthy stated after the event.

“I was actually looking forward to driving him with a sit tonight and there’s no better horse to follow than Swayzee. He relaxed really good, he’s done all the work so far in his races in Sydney so far. So it was nice for him to have a sit. When I pulled him out he went super it was a quick last quarter and we’ll head to the Victoria Cup now.”

“We’ll just focus on the Victoria Cup for now and there’s some good races coming around Christmas.”

“I spoke to his owner and breeder Mick Harvey today and I told him that I thought I could win. I’m really happy for Mick that he’s come out and done the job.”

Kingman has now won four of his six starts for McCarthy and it is no secret that McCarthy has a high opinion of the four year old stallion.

But he will surely face his toughest task when he takes on Leap To Fame in the Victoria Cup. Swayzee will need to pick up more if he is figure in the Victoria Cup but he is so battle hardened that he cannot be dismissed.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink