Racing: Promising stayer heading for spell

King Johny is heading for the spelling paddock after fulfilling his early promise with a stylish win in the Group Three $60,000 Manawatu Classic at Awapuni yesterday.

Although it was the only the 3-year-old's second win he has shown enough in eight starts to suggest he is a top stayer in the making and could be a real star next season.

"He's done quite a lot really when you consider he finished third in the New Zealand Derby and fourth in the AJC Derby and I'd like to think he will make a Cup horse in time," trainer Raymond Connors said.

Connors races King Johny in partnership with his father Mark, the pair paying $42,000 for the horse as a yearling.

By the South Island-based sire Seasoned Star, King Johny is a half-brother to Our Jonty, who was a top jumper the Connors raced a few seasons ago and who Raymond Connors rode to victory in the Great Northern Steeplechase.

King Johny had two starts at this year's Sydney autumn carnival, coming from near last on the home turn to finish third in the Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and then fourth in the AJC Derby (2400m).

Top Australian jockey Darren Beadman rode King Johny in the first of those races and predicted a big future for the horse.

"He thought he'd be a very nice horse in six months' time," Raymond Connors said.

Jockey Hayden Tinsley would not allow King Johny to get too far back in the field during yesterday's 1600-metre event and had him in striking distance of the leaders rounding the home turn.

They strode to the front early in the home straight and comfortably held out the South Island enrant The Raj, with a gap back to the rest.