English King set for Australian debut as connections aim to make him a stallion

High-profile European import English King is set to make his Australian debut in the Golden Mile at Bendigo on Saturday.

English King, who was sent off second favourite for the Derby last year after winning the trial at Lingfield, was one of three European purchases at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale in October to enter the stables of Mike Moroney, along with Emissary and Keats.

English King finished fifth behind Serpentine at Epsom, with Emissary 15th.

Emissary was gelded after one jump-out and sent for a break, while Keats was given a third jump-out on Friday. Moroney said a decision was pending on whether to geld him, with English King – who was bought for 925,000gns at Tattersalls – set to remain an entire.

"The disappointing part is that they have enough breeding to say they could stay colts, but we're kidding ourselves to say they'll all make stallions," explained Moroney.

English King strides in front of the Tattersalls rostrum before being knocked down for 925,000gnsCredit: Laura Green

"English King, he's different. He's by Camelot and I think if he can win Group 1 races, he'll find a home here in Australia."

Following Saturday's outing, Moroney said a decision would be made whether to run English King in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 17 or to head for a break.

"It will be too short for him, but it's a good start off for him on a nice big track and we'll just see what we make of that," he said.

"First thoughts are that if he does go well enough, we will take him up to Sydney for the Queen Elizabeth and then give him a break, or he will go straight to the paddock after one run."

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