James McDonald and the Peter & Paul Snowden camp have combined with King Of Sparta (+320) storming home to claim the Group 2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
The writing was on the wall after a last start romp at the Gold Coast in the Magic Millions Sprint (1200) as the son of I Am Invincible cleared out on his rivals by the better part of two lengths on the wire.
The margin wasn’t quite as dominant on Saturday, but was similarly impressive, as James McDonald placed the five-year-old in the perfect stalking position throughout the 1200m journey.
Malkovich (+1300) was always going to ensure a strong tempo, and he did just that, scorching to the front under Joshua Parr, attempting to make every post a winner.
Coal Crusher (+900) showed his customary early toe to get on the back of the early leader, while the short-priced favourite Buenos Noches (-142.86) was in another postcode with 500m left to travel.
When the sprint went on, there was only one runner you wanted to be on, as King Of Sparta at close enough throughout to put himself in striking distance, then obliging under James McDonald when asked for the ultimate effort.
It was a strong return by Coal Crusher, bounding into the quinella spot, while Buenos Noches would miss out on the trifecta spot despite closing off impressively from last turning for home.
It was all honours to the winner in the end though, as King Of Sparta added career win number eight to the resume.
2024 Group 2 Expressway Stakes Replay – King Of Sparta
Co-trainer Paul Snowden was on course and revelled in the success of his talented gelding, with the Quokka seemingly the grand final for King Of Sparta in the near future.
“He’s in great form,” said Snowden.
“As we’ve handled him the last few years it’s really working with him. Little breaks in between, less is more for him. He’s certainly paying us the dividends now.
“It’s a juggling act I suppose. How we want to prepare him to get him over there (Western Australia) in as good a order as we can.
“We’ll make that call probably in the next week or so but maybe just a trial. Obviously we’ve got to compensate with the plane trip over.
“It’s really exciting for the ownership group and exciting for the horse to race for really good money. I know he’s been a great money-spinner for them, but it’s going to be a good trip away.”
Jockey James McDonald was asked how confident he was aboard his mount when turning for home, and the star hoop gave a glowing opinion.
“I was actually,” said McDonald.
“Lobbed into a lovely spot and the pace really quickened from the 600m. I just had to bide my time a little bit and he come up the rise under his own steam even though I was spotting them so far.
“He’s got a lethal turn of foot. He’s just a good horse, he’s so solid.”
King Of Sparta is now on the third line for The Quokka, marked as a +400 hope with top horse racing bookmakers.
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