Alan King’s ready to rule once more

ALAN KING will have been mighty relieved to win the first two races at Wincanton yesterday.

Alan King won the first two races at Wincanton yesterday Alan King won the first two races at Wincanton yesterday

One win from 38 runners in 14 days and earnings of £430,000 for the season are a poor return for a trainer used to turning out 120-plus a season and earning £2million for his owners. Still, with the Totesport Trophy coming up there are worse times to be coming into form.

“Way Back When has been knocking at the door, but has bumped into one or two quite useful horses,” said King.

“I’d like to get one more run into her and go for the mares’ final at Newbury.

“I wasn’t going to run Mister Stickler as I thought the race would come too quickly – just 12 days after Ascot – but when I saw only three were declared, I put him back in.

“He didn’t get two miles and three last time but he may have to go to Cheltenham, where the old Jewson handicap would be about the only option.”

King could have a big say in the outcome of the Totesport Trophy at Newbury on February 12.

Salden Licht and Walkon are 8-1 with Ladbrokes for the valuable handicap hurdle with stablemate Iolith close behind on 12s.

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