King of Hearts Ready to Rebound Today

Trainer Craig Carmody believes his 3YO gelding King of Hearts (Sebring-Eloping, by Choisir) can rebound at today's Kembla Grange meeting, reports racingnsw.com.au. "I went to Newcastle a little concerned about the quick back-up after the first-up run," Carmody said. "I had this inkling and I hoped it wouldn't come back to bite us, second-up at 1400m with a change of tempo. He was up closer and that burst of speed over the last 600m wasn't evident at Newcastle. We've brightened the horse up again and we're really happy with how he's going." King of Hearts holds dual acceptances to both the Frank Powyer Maiden Handicap over 1400m with James McDonald booked to ride and the Maurice Logue Maiden Handicap over 1300m with Kathy O'Hara on. "It's not ideal when the rail is out at Kembla but it's fantastic to have James on if we go that way and Kathy knows him so that's also a bonus,'' he said. "Whichever way we go we're going to be in a good position. Provided we are playing on a fair track I'd say if there's consistent speed and he's allowed to find his feet, be comfortable where he is, he should accelerate. I'm sure he'll produce it." A $160,000 yearling from the Rosemont Stud draft at the Inglis Melbourne Yearling Sale, King of Hearts has placed twice and run fourth twice in seven starts. King of Hearts is the first foal of Gr3 winner Eloping (see below), who is a half-sister to Gr3 winner Of The Brave (Starspangledbanner-Runaway Jesse, by Rory's Jester).