An honest performer in Ireland, Kingswood (GB) earned his second win from as many starts for Gavin Bedggood with a dominant performance in Wednesday's Group III Sportsbet Coongy Cup (2000m) at Caulfield.
Settled one out and one back by John Allen, the 5-year-old son of Roaring Lion (USA) chimed in three wide on the turn before drawing clear to defeat Berkeley Square (Territories) by one and three-quarter lengths with Star Vega (Lope De Vega) a short-head back in third.
"It all went to script. He lobbed in a nice spot; Johnny popped him out to the three-wide line, and it was comfortable," Bedggood said.
"He didn't look all that comfortable getting around the corner, but he won well, and the second horse is a proper horse.
"His rating will shoot up, and I've had it in the back of my mind, Bendigo Cup next, then possibly a Queen Elizabeth.
"He's as good a horse as I've had anything to do with. He is a stayer with the best set of lungs."
Purchased by his owner Glyn Davies, for 130,000 euros at the 2021 Goffs Ireland Orby Yearling Sale, Kingswood was bred by Kirsten Rausing's Lanwades Stud from the revered family of Albanova and her sister Albadora.
A half-brother to Group 1 The St Leger and Group 1Irish St Leger winner Eldar Eldarov (Dubawi) and stakes-placed A La Voile (Invincible Spirit), Kingswood is one of three winners from five to race for the stakes-winning Sea The Stars mare All At Sea, a half-sister to three stakes winners, including Aswilda, the dam of Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Yorkshire Oaks, and Grand Prix de Saint Cloud heroine Alpinista (Frankel).
All At Sea is the daughter of triple Group 1 winner Albanova (Alzao), a sister to 2-time Group 1 Champion Stakes winner Albadora.
Kingswood is the seventh stakes-winner for the 2018 European Horse of the Year, Roaring Lion. The son of Kitten's Joy stood at Tweenhills Stud before succumbing to colic when preparing for his first season at Cambridge Stud.
