Talented 3-year-old Kings Duty makes his second appearance on Newcastle Beaumont track on Monday and all eyes are on the boom gelding. The exosphere youngster bred, and part owned by Gerry Harvey is trained by Mark Minervini and he will contest the Vale Jim Johnstone Benchmark 66 Handicap (1150m).
Kings Duty was unbeaten in barrier trials before a brilliant debut win on the Beaumont track on January 30 on a very heavy tack. He drew wide and Mikayla Weir who has ridden the 3-year-old in all of his barrier trials had to use him up early to cross to the lead after 200 meters. When in front the ‘big fella’ cruised, and he bolted in.
There has been overseas interest in Kings Duty I understand. Monday’s race is much stronger, and he is the first emergency however three are dual acceptors in the race.
Port Macquarie trained Binkou returns to the track of his only win in October when he runs in the PFD Foods Country Boosted Class 1 Handicap (1350m). Binkou resumed from a short break with two placings at Port Macquarie in January. He was beaten less than a length in both starts and he was an easy winner in his only start on this track.
Paul Perry’s 4-year-old Just One Look found his best form to win on this track on January 30 and he will be hard to beat in the Hunter Valley Premium Meats Benchmark 58 Handicap (1350m). Just One Look ran down subsequent winner Lady Fraulein on this track last start, and he came from near last to be beaten less than a length at Tuncurry two starts back.
Kris Lees trained Winter Thorn a beaten favourite at Taree last start, can atone in the Hungerford Hill Class 1 & Maiden Plate (2100m). The Irish imports only win was over this trip at Tamworth in August.
Arrowfields Valoria has plenty in her favour when she steps out in the Klosters Maiden Handicap (1150m). The daughter of Maurice has been placed in three of her five starts and during the winter the mare was beaten .38 in a Canterbury Maiden. The mare has the rails barrier and Aaron Bullock has the mount.