Victoria Cup winner possibly a shock late NZ Cup entrant

VICTORIA Cup winner Kingman (Always B Miki) could be a shock late entry for the $1million IRT NZ Trotting Cup.

Owner-breeder Mick Harvey dropped the bombshell on Melbourne radio SEN Track this morning.

“We’ll see how the next few days go once Luke (McCarthy, trainer-driver) gets him settled back home, but if you asked me now … I’d say he’ll go,” he said.

“The horse came through that win so well. He was strong on the line and he’s at the top of his game.

“With the doubts on Leap To Fame and Swayzee and no real standouts in NZ, we’d be right in the race.

“Like everyone, I love the NZ Cup. It would be amazing to give it a crack.”

The Kingman twist sparked memories of last year when trainer Jason Grimson paid a late entry fee for Swayzee, who then successfully defended his title eight days later,

“We beat Swayzee two starts back and we beat Leap To Fame the other night … the formlines are there,” Harvey said.

“Luke’s done an amazing job with this horse and he’s still on the up.

“It’s very tempting to strike while the iron is hot. We could go over for the Cup and still be back for the Blacks A Fake in Brisbane (December 6).

“I’ll be guided by Luke. We talked about it, but that midnight Saturday after the race.

“He was open to it. Let’s see how the next few days play out, but I’m super keen.”

Harvey is no stranger to big races having raced Grand Circuit stars King Of Swing and Hectorjayjay.

“What amazing rides I had with them, but anyone who has bred a horse and had it all the way through will tell you it’s extra special,” he said.

“This is the first horse I bred, so you can imagine the thrill the other night gave me.

“He’s only four and just starting to come into his own now. Hopefully we’ve got another couple of years at the top level with him.”

by Adam Hamilton, for Harness Racing Australia