King ready to reign supreme

REIGNING supreme during his past two starts, King Corey will attempt to maintain his position on the 'throne' at Club Menangle today.

Boasting three wins from his last four starts, each of King Corey's victories have been registered at the world class venue.

Triumphant in 1:54.1 on February 3, the David Waite-trained son of Safely Kept was then luckless when unplaced the following week.

Returning to the winners' circle with a 1:53.9 performance on February 17, the nine-year-old notched a personal best 1:53.6 last week.

"He has done a top job to get a few wins lately," Waite said. "He's been winning in lower class, but this one is going to be harder for him.

"He's still got a chance and I've got no doubt he will give a good show."

Aiming for a hat-trick, King Corey has drawn to lead throughout from barrier three with Cameron Hart in the sulky.

"He has great gate speed...he flies the gate," Waite said. "I expect he will cross to the lead from there.

"The main concern is if he cops a lot of pressure as he just can't keep going flat out, but I've got the right driver in Cameron to work that out.

"If gets a breather in that second quarter, he will zip home."

Citing Rio De Janeiro Blue as the main danger, Waite is also wary of Major Icon.

Also a last start Club Menangle winner, Rio De Janeiro Blue will begin from gate four for trainer Leon Jurd and reinsman Chris Geary.

Desperate to break a string of placings, Major Icon, which will be driven by Ashleigh Delos, will come from barrier nine.

The son of Art Major has had three starts for Inter Dominion winning horseman Kevin Puzzito, which have resulted in a second and a pair of thirds.

"Rio De Janeiro Blue won in similar grade last week and has to be respected again this time," Waite said. "He's also drawn closer to the pegs this week, which will help.

"Kevin has Major Icon going well and it is only a matter of time before he breaks though for a win.

"Overall, it is a pretty even field and will come down to how it plays out."

Elsewhere on the card Hart will combine with the Jason Grimson-trained Ima Boxa, which should have no trouble delivering a knock-out blow despite drawing wide in eight.

Making his debut as a five-year-old last November, Ima Boxa boasts four wins and second from five starts, with the first three - all wins - for trainer Jake Stockton.

Grimson has a reasonable opinion of the son of Shoobees Place, which is expected to complete a swift rise through the grades.