AN OVERSEAS import that was moved on from the Chris Waller stable will have his first start for Wagga trainer Tim Donnelly at Albury on Friday.
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Would Be King will begin a new campaign when he tackles the Southern Asset Services Maiden Handicap (1175m) at Albury.
The five-year-old started his career in Ireland before he was purchased by successful owner Richard Pegum and sent to Wallers, where the best he could do was a third placing in five starts there.
The son of Lethal Force had showed great promise in Ireland, placing in eight of his 10 starts there, but has failed to fire in Australia.
Donnelly has been happy with what he's seen of Would Be King so far.
"He's probably been here about 10 or 12 weeks. He's not a flash track worker, so you don't get a guide there really but he's done well and I'm happy with him," Donnelly said.
"He trialled pretty well (at Corowa). It was three seconds slower than the other trial but they were a lot better horses. He trialled against the maidens. He went ok.
"I've been happy with what he's done."
Stable apprentice Heni Ede will take the ride and her three kilogram claim gets Would Be King in with 57kg from barrier six.
Donnelly expects the horse to run well.
"I think he will. It's a weaker race than what he's run it," he said.
"Obviously he's raced over a lot further but they generally run alright with their class.
"I had him in at Wagga last week and they called off the race. I would have preferred to have run him over the 1200 at Wagga, because the 1175 at Albury is more like a sprinters race, where as with Wagga you can be a little bit stronger."
Would Be King is one of two horses Donnelly has for Pegum at the moment. Iggy The Moocher has also joined his stable and will trial at the end of the month.
Donnelly will also head to Parkes on Sunday, where Powerscourt will contest the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m).
Ede will again take the reins there and Donnelly is thrilled with how she is going, having enjoyed six winners from her last 30 rides.
"She's terrific. She's a three kilo claimer still and you've got to remember that but she puts them in a good spot, does her form really well. She's done really well."
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