King Pedro made a very encouraging return to the races in last Saturday’s Group 2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill, producing an impressive first-up performance to come from the back of the field and finish fourth over 1900m, a distance well short of his best.
Co-trainer John O’ Shea stated after the race; “A really pleasing performance, he’s gone to a new level today. Weight for age and he didn’t have a lot of favours, but he ran really well.”
Having missed his original spring target due to a minor setback, his Melbourne Carnival aspirations had appeared unlikely. However, Saturday’s performance has left the door ajar.
O’Shea reported on Monday; “He’s pulled up really well from his excellent performance on Saturday. He’s so much more effective beyond 2000m and his fitness levels are more than enough for him to be stretching out further.”
King Pedro finishes 4th in the G2 Hill Stakes
After coming through his return run in great order, options are now being kept open, with the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup over 2500m on October 24 firmly on the agenda. The winner of that race earns a coveted Golden Ticket into the Melbourne Cup, meaning a potential appearance at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November remains a possibility.
It remains a big ask, but his encouraging return has certainly given connections reason to consider what might still be achievable this spring.