Classy galloper Brung King ($1.60) remains unbeaten from two starts this preparation, ploughing through the heavy ground at Warrnambool to secure the 2024 Port Fairy Cup. The talented four-year-old backed up his strong first-up win at Ballarat a month earlier, needing only to account for two rivals from the 1400-metre start on a deteriorating surface. Jockey Jaylah Kennedy always looked in control in the run, settling at the heels of Moral Force ($2.70) before moving up to challenge at the 400-metre mark. Kennedy sent her gelding to the lead on straightening, and though Moral Force offered some resistance, Brung King never looked in danger of defeat, holding a margin to the line under hands-and-heels riding. “He relished those heavy conditions today”, the young hoop said post-race.
Henry was full of praise following the performance. “He’s a winner – he tries really hard. He’s just a beautiful horse to train”.
It was a special win for Brung King’s owner/breeder Peter Balderstone, who now lives in Port Fairy and was oncourse to see his runner salute. “Peter is a proud western-districts man, he loves winning races at Warrnambool”, Henry said. “I like to think I’m a persuasive enough bloke sometimes, and I tried my hardest to persuade him (to run at Geelong on Saturday), but he was hellbent on having the Port Fairy Cup on his mantelpiece”.
Brung King will have another run this preparation before a short spell, aiming at a return to Warrnambool during the May carnival in the Open Handicap on the final day.
Sunday’s victory was the four-year-old’s fifth from ten starts, elevating his prizemoney to just shy of $300,000.