While Argyle Lane has been the stable’s new flag bearer, King also expects a strong showing from Niccanova despite tailing a field of 10 first-up in the Listed Bribie Handicap at Eagle Farm on December 10.
“His run in the Bribie was very good as it was only 1000 metres but he was finishing over the top of them and was only beaten four lengths,” King said.
“It’s a hard race but he’s drawn well in barrier four and I really can’t split them.
“Niccanova is weighted to win as he’d get 61kgs in a Listed race in town and he only has 59.5kgs.
“Argyle Lane is still on the way up and will need to race well if he’s to go on and win better races in the future.
“He’s come on since his last run and he’s working strongly.”
Nicccanova has the runs on the board with 10 wins from 53 starts including a placing in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap in 2020.
Ironically, the rising 10-year-old will be making his race debut on his home track but King doesn’t feel it’s a disadvantage.
“It’s strange that he’s never started here before but it’s a track that should suit him,” he said.
“He’s been trained from day one at Toowoomba but he’s only ever galloped on it and won a few trials.”
King believes the King of the Mountain has attracted a strong field and predicts the winner could come from a number of chances.
“It’s a very open race with some horses in form and others out of form but are on the improve again,” he said.
“It’s a difficult race and it’s too hard to pick the winner.”