Import King’s Charisma has not quite measured up to expectations in three Australian starts and connections are hoping an interstate trip will unlock his potential.
The former English stayer hasn’t been disgraced at his past two outings, finishing fourth in a 2000m race at Caulfield and fifth to Great House in the Hotham Handicap (2500m) at Flemington but Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett admits he and fellow director Luke Murrell had higher aspirations.
“When I bought him last year, Luke and I thought he could be a stakes horse out to a trip,” Lovett said.
“He ran in a Hotham and was probably ridden a bit close, but I still think he was disappointing.
“He needs to lift but fitness-wise, that run will bring him on.”
After three spring runs in Melbourne, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained King’s Charisma will make his NSW debut in the $300,000 The Beauford (2300m), a new addition to the stand-alone Newcastle program highlighted by the $1 million The Hunter (1300m).
In-form jockey Tommy Berry has the ride and Lovett is hoping the horse responds to a change of scenery.
“I’m hoping a road trip switches him on because I’ve seen that happen many a time,” Lovett said.
“He’s got plenty of ability, it’s just whether we can coax it out of him.”
King’s Charisma will face nine rivals, including last-start City Tattersalls Club Cup winner Torrens and the Chris Waller-trained trio of Shared Ambition, Yonkers and She Runs Away.