When high-priced UK import English King made his Australian debut at Bendigo 12 months ago, expectations were high.

Purchased in October 2020 at the Tattersall’s Sale in Newmarket with the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup in mind the following year, not has all gone to plan for English King.

Prior to being sold, English King won the Derby Trial at Lingfield before starting second favourite when fifth in the Epsom Derby behind Serpentine, however in five starts in Australia he is yet to fill a place, but on Saturday at Bendigo he steps out to 2400m when he runs in the RSN 945am Handicap.

After his arrival in Australia, Moroney gave English King an autumn run in the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at last year’s corresponding meeting in which he finished ninth.

English King returned as a gelding for his second Australian campaign but was hampered by a foot issue and was again spelled after two starts.

This preparation has seen English King have two runs at 2000m, finishing seventh in the Listed Mornington Cup Prelude at Caulfield and again seventh behind Pondus at Flemington on March 19.

Moroney’s assistant-trainer Glen Thompson said English King would appreciate the rise in trip on Saturday, however he would like a little rain to soften the track.

“Mike’s been happy with him,” Thompson said.

“He thought he was better the other day and he’s hoping he’ll improve again once he gets out over a bit further.

“This is 2400 metres, so it will suit, and he’d like a bit of rain as he would enjoy a little bit of soft ground.

“Maybe he might be better in Sydney, but he’s not going to get that here at the moment.

“He’s got a much better attitude now and hopefully we can see that transfer onto the track.”