Andrew Adkins believes King’s Secret is a galloper heading in the right direction after the progressive three-year-old secured the 2024 BOBS Horse of the Year title at Randwick.

Trained by Joe Pride and a half-brother to top sprinter Private Eye, King’s Secret ($6.50) added to his growing resume by taking out the Petaluma Handicap (1100m) and holding off a fast-finishing Stardeel ($3.90 betting favourite).

The son of Pride Of Dubai has now won four races this prep, all within the span of three months, showcasing sharp progression and professionalism in every outing.

“He’s gone to a new level,” said Adkins. “Each time we’ve asked more of him, he’s stepped up. That’s a credit to Joe and the team behind him.”

Adkins also highlighted a newfound maturity in King’s Secret, noting how relaxed he was pre-race and how settled he travelled throughout.

“He went down to the gates a lot more composed. He’s learning how to conserve energy and apply it at the right time,” Adkins added.

Pride, who was away at Caulfield, left race-day duties to stable representative Orla Pearl, who was full of praise for both horse and rider.

“Andrew didn’t overcomplicate it — he knows this horse and trusted his instincts,” she said.

King’s Secret’s latest success ensured he topped the BOBS leaderboard, with bonus earnings outpacing all other eligible young horses in the state.

“To have another BOBS champion following In Flight last season is a huge reward for our stable’s focus on developing young talent,” Pearl said.

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