King Of The Castle with Big Dance aims after Warwick Farm holiday win.
Fresh from Think About It's victory in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday, Joe Pride has another prong to his springtime focus after King Of The Castle's win at Warwick Farm.
A berth in The Big Dance, worth $2 million over a mile, is Pride's aim for the lightly raced six-year-old and a win in one of the 28 eligible Country Cup races in New South Wales can see the gelding reach the Sydney feature on November 7.
"With 62-kilos on his back, I think it was a fair effort today," Pride said after the running of the Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1600m).
"I'd love to get him to one of the country cups – South Grafton or Coffs (Harbour) – as they're both Big Dance qualifiers because in the spring I think he could be a Big Dance or Little Dance horse."
Starting the $1.75 favourite, Nash Rawiller was aboard the gelding in recording King Of The Castle's fifth win in 16 starts with three minor placings.
The South Grafton Cup comes up on July 9 while the Coffs Harbour Cup follows in early August.
With both events run over 1600-metres, Pride believes the pathway from a King's Birthday Holiday win to November success is achievable.
"A mile, I think, is his pet trip," he added.
