Swing Is King In The Derby
6 April, 2018
Harness
King Of Swing has delivered Gary Hall Snr his fourth WA Derby (2536m) success in the past six years, with an outstanding effort in the time honoured event at Gloucester Park tonight.
The Rocknroll Hanover colt joins Alto Christiano (2013), Beaudiene Boaz (2015) and Chicago Bull (2016) as Hall Snr’s Derby winners, but for the champion trainer this one was special.
Since he was purchased for close to $400,000 from New Zealand, it has been far from smooth sailing for King Of Swing, who was having just his second start in Perth in the Derby.
He has battled illness and a rough plane trip on his way to the Derby, and Hall Snr said he thought it would take its toll in tonight’s $200,000 event.
“I didn’t think he could win,” he said.
“I didn’t want to give any negative vibes to anyone, but I didn’t really think he could win.
“He hasn’t worked that well, and he has been lethargic and dour and not wanting to be here.
“The trip over knocked him around, and then he got the cold, and I couldn’t work him how I wanted to.
“For him to come out and win, it was just outstanding.”
The pace was on early in the WA Derby, with Golden State powering to the lead out of the straight the first time from barrier eight, while King Of Swing was close to 25m off the lead in the early stages.
Driver Gary Hall Jnr was able to work to the breeze outside of Golden State at the end of the first lap.
Golden State was still in front on the turn for home, but King Of Swing quickly went past him and was left in front a long way out from home, with his rivals behind lining up to have the last crack at him.
Western Gateway winner Bechers Brook stormed home from last, but narrowly missed King Of Swing, going down by a head, while Cott Beach produced one of her career best performances in back in third, which suggested she could figure prominently in the WA Oaks.
Hall Snr’s other key chance in the race Speed Man was held up on the home turn, but was able to work home well and finish fifth.
King Of Swing will now be set for open class races, with Hall Snr suggesting he could join some of his star stablemates in Group 1 races in a little under 12 months time.
“He’s up there for sure, because he is only half the horse he could be right now,” he said.
“With a spell, going out and doing well, he will come back in fantastic order.”
Tim Walker