Peter Snowden sees the booking of James Mcdonald as crucial to the prospects of King Of Sparta at Kembla Grange, and not just because he is Sydney’s champion jockey.

King Of Sparta was gelded prior to the start of his current campaign but after resuming with a win on the Kensington track, he was his own worst enemy when over-racing and finishing sixth to Silent Impact at his latest appearance.

“He just raced a bit too close and he’s not a horse you can rev-up at the start. When you light him up, you can’t put him out,” Snowden said.

“He over-raced quite badly throughout and still rallied again late so there was merit in the run.

“But it’s imperative you put him to sleep early, put him three pairs back early in the run and switch him off. If you do, he’s got a great turn of foot.”

McDonald will partner King Of Sparta in a race for the first time when they team in Saturday’s Precise Fire Handicap (1200m) at Kembla Grange.

However, McDonald has already established a rapport with the horse having tested him in trackwork and Snowden is hoping that makes all the difference.

“It’s good to have a rider that knows the horse,” Snowden said.

“It doesn’t matter how good a rider you are, there is no substitute for having ridden a horse and had a feel of them, rather than me trying to tell them how the horse goes.

“I’m hoping they gel together on Saturday and get the job done.”

After finishing a narrow second to Hilal on debut, King Of Sparta was competitive in some of the better two-year-old races during the Sydney autumn, finishing fourth in both the Silver Slipper and Kindergarten Stakes.

Connections are hoping he can make his presence felt this spring, particularly now he is gelded.

King Of Sparta is a $6 chance for Saturday’s race with the resuming Mr Mozart a $3.40 Neds favourite.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au