Kildare King targets a crown at Harrah’s Hoosier Park

Kildare King may not hold the star status several of his rivals possess in the fifth edition of the $220,000 Caesar’s Trotting Classic on Friday (Sept. 23) at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, but one thing is certain: it will be all systems go for the gelding to take center stage.

“He has an engine on him,” said trainer Chris Beaver. “He can really trot all day long and he deserves the opportunity.”

Drawing post position nine in a field of 10, Kildare King will have leading dash-winning driver Aaron Merriman holding the lines. The duo is 10-1 on the morning line and must face Cuatro De Julio (post position one, Yannick Gingras, 2-1), 2019 Hambletonian victor Forbidden Trade (post position six, Bob McClure, 6-1) and Breeders Crown winner Jujubee (post position seven, Andrew McCarthy, 5-1). There is also the champion mare Bella Bellini (post position 10, Dexter Dun, 7-2).

Kildare King, however, will make the most of his spot behind the starter. Especially since he established a new track standard of 1:51.4 in his last performance at Eldorado Scioto Downs on Sept. 10.

Kildare King was placed in the New Jersey and Kentucky Sire Stakes programs as a 3-year-old where he never quite put it all together. As a freshman and sophomore, Kildare King compiled a record of 22-2-3-2 and banked $68,475. But as a 4-year-old the gelding has blossomed.

Kildare King has been victorious in 10 of his 15 trips to the post this season with one second and one third. He has earned $226,730 and won six of his last eight races.