Sir Kingsford's Fresh Legs for Balaklava Cup

Fresh from a career-best campaign, Sir Kingsford will be looking to reignite his spring ambitions when he lines up in Wednesday's $120,000 Balaklava Cup (1600m), with trainer Gary Searle confident the gelding can return in strong order after a well-earned break. According to racenet.com.au, the 6YO closed out his last prep with three straight victories, culminating in a gritty Listed Port Adelaide Cup (2500m) triumph where he outstayed Basilinna and Adelaide Cup winner Silent Surrente. That form has since firmed nicely, with Basilinna going on to clinch a Melbourne Cup ballot exemption via the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m). Searle resisted the temptation to push for the Ramsden himself, opting instead to give his stable star a lengthy spell before plotting a targeted Victorian campaign. "We've always had Melbourne in mind for this prep," said Searle, who trains in partnership with his wife Nicole and daughter Brianna. "The Balaklava Cup looks a good starting point. He's a clean-winded horse who comes to hand quickly – he doesn't blow a candle out, no matter what we throw at him." Searle was buoyed by a sharp Strathalbyn trial a fortnight ago and expects a forward showing on Wednesday. "I think he'll run a really big race." Sir Kingsford placed fourth in last year's edition of the race when second-up, beaten 1.5 lengths by Air Assault, and his trainer believes a change in lead-up will serve him better this time around. "I gave him a run before the Cup last year and I think it took the edge off him," he reflected. "This time, he's going in fresh and ready. If we get rolling from the 600m, he's going to take some catching." While Melbourne staying features are off the radar for now, the Group 3 JRA Cup (2000m) and an Open Handicap at Sandown later this month are both on the table. Long-term, Searle has an eye on the Lord Reims Stakes and a tilt at the Adelaide Cup. "He's not a Melbourne Cup horse, but he'd get 3200m at Morphettville, no question."