Mick Price has underlined the 2017 Blue Diamond Stakes as a target for King’s Authority after the two-year-old stormed home to post a dominant win on debut at Flemington over the weekend.
King’s Authority stamped himself as a Blue Diamond prospect with a smart win on debut at Flemington on Saturday. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
King’s Authority was sent off as a $4.50 chance in the Christmas Season Plate (1100m); second-favourite for success behind Godolphin runner Totten, but did his chances of success no harm when jumping well and taking a position off the early pace.
Immediately responding when asked for an extra effort, the Snitzel colt weaved through the field and comfortably found the pace in the final straight; hitting the line close to two lengths ahead of closest rival Aspen Angel.
Jockey Mark Zahra delivered a smart performance aboard King’s Authority first-up and believes that the horse will furnish into a series Stakes contender during the forthcoming 2017 Autumn Carnival.
“When they came right to the outside fence I was a little worried because I was three pairs back on the outside rail with nowhere to go,” Zahra said.
“When they were starting to go for home usually they go in but they fanned out.
“I was shielded from the (head) wind for a long time, it was just a matter of getting room.
“They don’t often switch in (towards the inside rail) and kick. He was strong through the line as well.”
Price, who saddled Extreme Choice to success in the 2016 edition of the Blue Diamond Stakes, was thrilled that King’s Authority translated the form that he has shown in work onto the race track, and confirmed that he will be set for the major two-year-old targets in autumn.
“He was nice and round in condition so to see him do it under race pressure was pleasing,” Price told Racing Victoria.
“He trialled without blinkers and then with the blinkers and was much better. I’m glad he carried them because he is quite off and on mentally.
“It would be nice to think he could run in both.
“The main thing now is that he’s won and picked up prizemoney, so we can get our timing right.
“He’ll run in one of the (Blue Diamond) Preludes then the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper.”
King’s Authority is considered a $41 shot in early 2017 Blue Diamond Stakes betting markets, following his debut win.
