There’s nothing better than when a plan comes together – as Stephen Whyte, trainer of Sage Contracting Darwin Cup finalist Clash of Kings, would agree.
Whyte’s charge will start from box one in the final of this Friday night’s Group 3 $25,000-to-the-winner race after claiming an impressive heat triumph.
Clash of Kings’s dam Queen Lauryn captured the race back in 2009 for trainer Tony Brett before retiring at the end of that year.
She and sire Fear Zaconic later produced a litter containing some promising pups, including Whyte’s fast-rising novice.
“When we broke these pups in, I said, ‘I reckon I can win the Darwin Cup with one of them’,” Victorian Whyte said.
“I’ve come up here (for this race) for the last few years and I want to win it.
“Everyone has a plan and a dream but I just hope it ends up coming true."
Clash of Kings has drawn the red box for the final, which should suit him after his impressive heat performance.
He produced a decent 31.33 run from the rail to knock fancied Rumbling Rick into second spot with a crushing seven-and-a-half-length win.
Clash of Kings is building a solid reputation, having compiled five wins and a placing from nine starts.
Whyte said he would likely aim his charge for November’s Group 3 City of Ipswich Gold Cup over 520m, as well as a possible future trip to NSW.
“Certainly, we’ll be aiming for good races with him,” Whyte, who works out of the Gippsland town of Bunyip, said.
“He’s had some problems with minor injuries but he is a handy dog.
“I’m hoping we can have a little fun with him over the next six-12 months at least.”
The other two heat winners, Highbury and Rumble Street, are worthy of consideration from boxes six and seven respectively.
Where’s the Surf finished second in his heat last week but is a former winner at The Meadows and Wentworth Park winner.
If he can avoid trouble from box four then he should challenge strongly.
The box draw for the final is as follows: 1. Clash of Kings; 2. Rumbling Rick; 3. Le Sirenuse; 4. Where’s the Surf; 5. Tee Brady; 6. Highbury; 7. Rumble Street; 8. Engine Alley. Reserves: 9: Saleen; 10. I’m Ziva.
The race goes at 9.49 AEST.
