Almanzor 4YO stars on Cup undercard

Progressive stayer King’s Crossing ensured Almanzor left his mark on Geelong Cup Day when he claimed top honours in the opening event on the card.The Danny O’Brien-trained four-year-old has previously showed a liking for the course and a return trip proved profitable when he downed his Benchmark 70 rivals over 2400 metres.King’s Crossing had finished third in the Listed Geelong Classic last season before posting his maiden victory and another placing on the track.“This looked a suitable race for him. He’s had a bit of experience on the track and ran some very good races,” O’Brien said.“We’re trying to get his rating up and hopefully he could end up in something like the Bagot Handicap (2800m).”King’s Crossing loped along in midfield one off the fence before rider Damien Lane urged him forward across the top and the gelding finished off determinedly.“Damien gave him a perfect ride and the horse has got some talent. Hopefully, he keeps getting better and learns how to finish off his races,” O’Brien said.King’s Crossing was offered by breeder Blandford Lodge at Karaka to O’Brien and agent Bruce Perry for $220,000 and is a half-brother to the G3 Bendigo Cup winner Top Of The Range.Their dam is the Montjeu mare Spiriting and she is a half-sister to the G3 Kingston Stakes winner Just Polite, dam of the G1 Auckland Cup winner Ladies First and G1 Livamol Classic winner Ladies Man.