King Of Light made a memorable introduction to racing on Saturday at Pinjarra, producing a dazzling debut in the Tabtouch Place A Same Race Multi Plate (1300m) to catch the attention of trainer Dan Morton and punters alike.
Morton is hopeful that the eye-catching first-up success will be the launchpad to a successful spring campaign, with the colt now firmly on a path toward feature racing.
Plans are already being made for a shot at the WA Guineas (1600m), after the Earthlight colt powered home from last to edge out hot favourite Aberdeen Flyer with a late burst.
Guided by the experienced William Pike, King Of Light never looked in danger through the final strides and scored comfortably, reinforcing his potential as a horse to follow.
Morton was impressed with how professionally the youngster handled the outing despite his inexperience.
“Very pleasing and he’s been a nice horse all the way through for us,” Morton said on Tabradio.
“To get the job done first up over 1300m was really good.
“He didn’t have the tools early to know what he was supposed to be doing, but probably fortunate to lob following the favourite.
“I was hopeful he would find plenty, but I fought the Sean Casy horse (Aberdeen Flyer) would trump us with race experience.
“There was a lot to like about our guy.”
Despite the tempting form, Morton may resist running the colt again this prep, choosing instead to rest him ahead of a big spring campaign.
“Normally speaking I do like to give them a couple to cement their prep,” Morton said.
“Horses like him you would naturally aim up at a Guineas, we’ll work backwards from that.”
The WA Guineas remains the clear goal for Morton and his team, confident the colt can handle a rise in class and distance later this year.
“You aim there.” Morton said.
“They obviously have to keep on improving, come back, run a mile out strong and all the rest of it.
“I don’t see any reason why he’s not the type of horse that will try to.”
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