Trevor Andrews trained King Saul ($14.00) returned to WA racing in emphatic style today, accounting for rivals in a blanket finish to this year’s Northerly Stakes 1400m.
Resuming from a disappointing Sydney campaign that failed to record a return, the 4yo Flying Pegasus gelding rocketed home from ninth on the turn to nose out the unlucky Kerrific ($11.00), and the fast finishing Maschino ($4.80). Hannan’s HCP and Birthday Stakes victor – Texan ($3.20 fav) – sprung the gates from barrier 12 and shot straight to the early lead as expected, with Mega Steel ($14.00) and Elliotto ($81.00) in hot pursuit. The cracking speed proved the undoing of the trio however, with each failing to run out the 1400m trip.
King Saul shot to fame last season with a barnstorming win in the Group 2 WA Guineas 1600m, and a brave third in the Group 1 WFA Kingston Town Classic 1800m, before heading east. The heavy Sydney track conditions did not suit however, with his best result being eighth from a three race spread.
King Saul will now be set for the Group 1 Railway Stakes 1600m on November 24, and another crack at the Kingston Town Classic in early December.
C.Blackwell