King Keen On Second Cup
Thursday, 16 October 2008:  | | Littorio wins the Patinack Turnbull Stakes |
The big striding galloper had a tendency to hit a mid-race “flat spot” but with the addition of blinkers last start in the Turnbull Stakes broke through for a long overdue and timely win.
Blackiston had always felt the gelding would improve with the blinkers but had resisted the temptation through his three-year-old season and early this campaign as well until the time was right.
King, who has worked intimately with Littorio over the spring, said a lot of work had gone into preparing the gelding for the gear change and now believes he can realize his potential in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
Littorio has always possessed a big finish but now being able to time it right will be a huge help.
“That's the reason they went on,” King told Sport 927. “He always hit a flat spot and it would cost him a couple of lengths.
“He's got in his groove now. He's accepted the blinkers which is a good thing because there's a couple of big races ahead and we need him to be nice and relaxed.
“The main thing is to get him to sprint when I want him to sprint, not when he wants to.”
King said Littorio had had the ideal preparation leading into the Cups and was his best chance to win the race since Let's Elope, who gave him his first success in 1991.
“He's had a perfect preparation. The blinkers did the job the other day in the Turnbull and he's faultless at the present time.”
Since 1971 when the Turnbull was run over 2000m, six horses have completed the Turnbull/Caulfield Cup double – Elvstroem (2004), Northerly (2002), Sky Heights (1999), Let's Elope (1991), Analight (1975) and Leilani (1974).
Littorio drew barrier 10 at yesterday's Cup barrier draw but will come into nine after Kibbutz comes out.
He has 54kg and was the post draw favourite for the race until the flood of money for Weekend Hussler saw his price ease slightly to $5.50 with Sportingbet.
In the Melbourne Cup he is on the third line of betting at $7.00.
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