Gear Change Key for King Taurus

King Taurus has found his best form in recent starts but trainer Danny Williams is hoping a gear change might unlock a bit more of the gelding’s ability.

The six-year-old has won two of his last four starts including his latest run at his home track of Goulburn on September 12 but isn’t executing things ideally.

“He’s been doing a few little things wrong with the way he has been finishing off his races. He has been wanting to hang in,” said Williams.

“We have made a bit of a gear change on with a bubble cheeker going on and we’ll see how that works but he’s going pretty well at home.

“If he can measure up and put it all together, he should be able to win a few more races.”

King Taurus lines up for the 14 start of his career in the JCF Contracting Benchmark 66 Handicap (1100m), the same conditions as his recent win.

“We feel confident he is improving and we have done a little bit of work on him since his last run,” he said.

“It’s always an advantage to race at home.

“We should get a fair track this week and he looks a good chance in a suitable race.”

Williams also saddles up another last start winner in Manwari who actually broke his maiden in the Benchmark 58 at Moruya on September 16.

“He has been disappointing in his races because he’s a horse we felt would have been beyond where he is at the moment,” Williams said.

“He has always shown good ability but hasn’t been able to finish it off.

“Sometimes it’s a bit easier to win in a Class 1 or (Benchmark) 58 grade than it is in a maiden.

“There was a bit more tempo in the race the other day which he appreciated.”

The son of Menari actually drops in grade when he steps out in the Hibernian Hotel Country Boosted Class 1 Handicap (1100m).

“These Country Boosted races a great because it gives horses like him a better opportunity to win,” Williams said.

“Goulburn is getting very tough with city and provincial trainers travelling down looking to place their horses and it’s making it very tough.

“It’s great to have these races on for these particular horses who may just struggle at that (higher) level.

“This looks a nice race for Manwari. He has come on from his win and we are looking for him to run well again.

“He is possibly looking for a little more give in the ground but there is good grass cover on the track and the course will present in good condition.”

Manwari could also be joined in that by Elasand and Obvious Icon who are also entered for the Pat Murphy Maiden Handicap (1100m) where they are emergencies.

“The maiden race looks reasonably strong with a number of city trainers bringing horses down,” Williams said.

“The Country Boosted Class 1 is perhaps a bit easier race for them but we’ll make a decision based on scratchings on race morning.

Elasand beat one home when a three-and-a-quarter length fifth behind Forcefilly on debit at Goulburn on September 12 but Williams was pleased with the run.

“We were frustrated the other day because she doesn’t handle wet tracks but she had been in work a while and had to go around.

“She will get more education and fitness out of this race.”

Obvious Icon has had two runs either side of a spell and will also take benefit from the experience.

“He did a lot wrong at his first-up this time in. He too will gain more education form the run.”