King ready for big spring

It might have only been an exhibition gallop, but it was all Damian Lane needed to know King Of Leogrance is a chance to be a major player this Spring Carnival.

The star jockey was struck by the physical development of the lightly raced import, who he partnered to win the Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) earlier this year.

"He's really filled out in his time off," Lane said of the gelding who has not raced since finishing second in the Listed Ramsden Stakes (2800m) at Flemington on May 16.

"I had to ask him to pick up the other horse, but when he did he extended well. I really loved the last 100m of his work."

King Of Leogrance sat off his Danny O'Brien-trained, Lloyd Williams-owned stablemate Orderofthegarter in the 1400-metre gallop at Geelong before edging to within one length at the 400m and going to the line on terms with his partner but under less pressure.

O'Brien was delighted with what he saw from both horses and said while he was yet to commit to a first-up run, he remains on track for The Bart Cummings, at Flemington on October 3.

"I'm very happy, that was a good, solid piece of work," O'Brien said.

"Instead of barrier trialing him we thought we'd give him a good course-proper gallop.

"I'm still not sure where we'll kick him off, but there's a good chance he'll get to The Bart Cummings second-up. He's a bit more forward than we thought."

King Of Leogrance, who has won five of 13 starts, is a $21 chance in BetEasy's Melbourne Cup market, which is headed by Russian Camelot at $9.

Story by Brad Bishop for Racing.com and click below to watch vision of the gallop from Racing.com