Irish import Point King charges to first Aussie victory in Travis Harrison Cup at The Valley

Irish import Point King has emerged as a spring player after a dominant win in the Travis Harrison Cup at The Valley.

Point King scored his first Aussie win in emphatic style in the Travis Harrison Cup at The Valley on Saturday. Picture: Brett Holburt/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Point King has emerged as a spring candidate for Anthony and Sam Freedman with victory in the Travis Harrison Cup (2040m) at The Valley.

The imported stayer, owned by seven-time Melbourne Cup winner Lloyd Williams and Australian billionaire James Packer, won by 3¾ lengths under jockey Jamie Kah.

Kah, who sealed a double with the win after saluting on Mornington Glory by the same margin earlier on the card, endorsed Point King’s credentials.

“The weight definitely helped with this trip but this horse he gives me a nice feel,” Kah said.

“He’s very talented, he’s got a big stride on him, I just think he’s a little bit of a thinker.

“The plan was to go forward on him and he was just a bit slow away, there was good speed on early, I think that was a blessing in the end.

“Once we hit the front I thought he was going to put another five on them and he just had a think about it.”

Point King collects his first win in Australia! 👑@[e-mail]/WyIrSMkZ8F

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) August 10, 2024

Irish import Point King raced once in Sydney previously, unplaced in a 2000m race for trainer Kris Lees.

The six-year-old gelding, Group 3 placed in Ireland and a Listed winner under the care of Joseph O’Brien, arrived at Freedman’s yard in top condition for a spring campaign.

Point King has scope for improvement – fitness and craft – to target stronger races.

“This will top him off because he’s a very big solid horse and he had a good blow,” Kah said.

“He’s got the ability there I think, when things all go right like today, hopefully he gains confidence from it.”

Freedman Racing representative Billie Rodda was happy with Point King’s performance.

“It’s really good to see him come here today and do that first-up,” Rodda said.

Jamie Kah scored a double at The Valley. Picture: Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images

“We knew he’d come here today and be competitive, obviously we haven’t had him long so we’re still getting to know him, really good for the stable to get a win for Lloyd.

“He came around that corner and really let rip and he looked like he still had plenty in the tank, it’s really exciting going forward and hopefully plenty more in store for me.”

Lightly raced import Alder, trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, finished second from Ciaron Maher stayers Normandy Bridge, Too Close The Sun and Duke De Sessa.

Rolls stuck on well for sixth after riding the speed with leader Smokin’ Romans, who faded out of contention from the home bend.

Point King shortened $101 to $51 and then into $26 with TAB for the Caulfield Cup after the Valley romp.

His price was halved $101 to $51 for the Melbourne Cup.

Originally published as Irish import Point King charges to first Aussie victory in Travis Harrison Cup at The Valley