King to Swing again Saturday

A FITTER and sharper King Of Swing will headline Aussie racing this week.

The Miracle Mile winner will have his second run back from a spell, this time taking on top class stablemate Alta Orlando, in a mile free-for-all at Menangle on Saturday night.

Trainers Craig Cross and Luke McCarthy have been juggling their stable stars to keep them apart in recent weeks, but the sheer glut of talent meant King Of Swing and Alta Orlando had to lock horns this week.

“We’ve also got Balraj, Cash N Flow and Bling It On to race in the next few weeks as well,” McCarthy said.

“Balraj will run Saturday week (August 29) then Cash N Flow will continue his routine of three week gaps and go around on the 5th (of September).

“Bling It On is very close, too. He’ll trial next Wednesday we’ll see how he comes through that before picking out a race.”

Back to King Of Swing and he’ll start from the outside draw in a race where McCarthy and Cross have a staggering eight of the 10 runners.

Alta Orlando, likely to be driven by Todd McCarthy, will start directly inside King Of Swing.

Asked about the hype around Ride High and a clash with him at some stage, McCarthy said: “Ride High is a machine and a gorgeous horse. It’ll be awesome when they all come together.”

Cross and McCarthy also hold the key to Saturday night’s Group 3 Ladyship Pace (1609m) at Menangle.

The one to beat is Bettor Enforce, who has two wins and a top second from three runs this campaign, despite the outside draw.

Kiwi-owned former WA mare Dracarys steps up in grade for an arrogant win at just her second run for Cross and McCarthy and looks the main threat.

On the same card, Victoria Oaks winner Dr Susan returns from a spell for trainer Sonya Smith, but has the outside draw (gate six) against the boys.

Jack Trainor takes the drive on Dr Susan because Anthony Butt is committed to Victoria and NSW Derby placegetter Perfect Stride from gate five.

The other key runner is another former Kiwi, Mach Da Vinci, from gate four.

Adam Hamilton