Hall Lost Battle But Can Win The War
3 April, 2018
Harness
Ocean Ridge won the battle, but trainer Gary Hall is hoping King Of Swing can turn the tables and win the war when they renew hostilities in the Group 1 WA Derby at Gloucester Park this week.
The Greg Bond-trained Ocean Ridge and King Of Swing will clash again for the second time in seven days after the former scored a surprising win in the WA Derby Prelude (2130m) on Friday.
King Of Swing, a high-priced New Zealand import, was all the rage with punters and started a hot $1.10 favourite after posting a sizzling Pinjarra trial victory.
The bay colt commanded all the pre-race attention and appeared to be back on track after a cold had threatened to delay his West Australian debut.
But it was Ocean Ridge, driven by Ryan Warwick, who upstaged his fellow Kiwi import to rocket into WA Derby calculations and maintain his unbeaten status.
Ocean Ride, who cruised to the line 6m ahead of King Of Swing, made it back-to-back wins after scoring on his Australian debut at Pinjarra last month.
However despite the shock defeat, Hall believes King Of Swing can improve and get one back over Ocean Ridge in the WA Derby.
“I think he will go a little bit better,” Hall told Tabradio’s The Sports Daily.
“I honestly do believe the 2500m will suit him a lot better than the shorter distances.
“I think he is more dour than he is fast.
“I was under the impression when I bought him he was a speed horse, but he’s not.
“We all know Ocean Ridge had a very good run and if he has to do a bit more work I reckon that could bring them back together.
“I definitely think King Of Swing will be a better horse when he goes out and comes back.
“I’m not saying he can’t win the Derby because I think he can.
“He will improve marginally and the distance will suit him.”
Julio Santarelli