The 6-year-old stepped out in top company for the first time last month and gave a polished display to put away his rivals in the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle (3100m).
Today, the son of Time Test will return to Te Aroha to tackle the Great New Zealand Hurdle (4200m) and will again carry the minimum weight of 66kg. Jay Kozaczek will continue his association with the gelding.
"Obviously, he’s still young when it comes to jumping and he’s got it all ahead of him, so we’re pretty excited going into this race after what he did last time," part-owner and trainer Shaun Phelan said.
The only question mark is Hill Of Kings’ ability to master an extra 1100m and there is confidence in the camp that he will cope.
"I think he’ll manage. It’s an even field and Berry The Cash has pushed the weights down," the former champion jumps jockey said.
"I’ve got a lot of respect for the other horses, but from a rider’s point of view I wouldn’t want to be on anything else."
Hill Of Kings has also breezed through his last run well and Phelan cannot fault his condition.
"He looks amazing and is bouncing out of his skin. He’s like a 2 or 3-year-old at the moment. We have a horse that is very well and opted not to give him a flat run like a few of the others have done.
"It’s been three weeks between runs, but he’s had a couple of track gallops at different places to tighten him up so hopefully that will be enough to get him there." — LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
