Qld Cup Crown A Perfect Fit For Palawa King 

THE near 24-hour round trip from the NSW central west town of Forbes to Albion Park seems to agree with trainer Jack Smith.

In recent years, Smith has enjoyed extraordinary success in his sojourns to Brisbane, first with the great Feral Franky before Jungle Deuce went on an Albion Park feature race rampage with seven unbeaten appearances.

And on Friday night, Smith will look to add further to his Brisbane riches when budding star of the staying ranks Palawa King starts favourite in the Group 1 Queensland Cup (710m).

"I don't mind the trip at all – especially when you're heading toward that warmer weather," Smith quipped.

"We've been fortunate enough to have some success in Brisbane and fingers crossed that continues on Friday night. The dog is in great order and from the box draw he looks to get his chance."

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Palawa King roared into Friday night's $175,000-to-the-winner Queensland Cup decider with a thumping 7 ½ length heat victory in 41.83.

The stunning performance was on the back of a slashing win in the Origin Distance (710m) before finishing third in the Group 3 Superstayers (710m).

"He got knocked a bit after getting run down in the Superstayers but he was a sitting shot in the small field," Smith said.

"The dog loves racing other dogs, you can see that in his races, and in the Superstayers he was in front too early and spent all his petrol but his time was still faster than what he went the week before.

"There was nothing wrong with his run."

Tab.com.au have installed Palawa King the $2.30 Queensland Cup favourite from his box two draw where his ever growing army of fans can expect to see the son of Feral Franky once again flop out of the boxes.

"I don't know why he does it," Smith said of the slow getaways.

"He doesn't play up in there, he's not hitting the boxes, that's just him.

"But it could be a blessing, if he began and led and burnt petrol out in front he might not run the 700 right out like he does from behind."

Friday night's Queensland Cup could be the start of a big 24 hours for Smith and his star of the siring ranks Feral Franky.

As well as Palawa King's pursuit of group 1 glory, Smith has Miss McGraw and Bella Una, a daughter of Feral Franky, in the Group 1 Peter Mosman Opal (520m) at Wentworth Park on Saturday night.

"It could be a big few days," Smith said.

"But you know what racing is like. Plenty can happen."

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Group 1 Queensland Cup (710m)

1. Play Nice – $4.80 2. Palawa King – $2.30 3. Locked On Scotch – $10 4. Ariarne Bale – $5.50 5. Wheel And Go – $7 6. Rippin' Grace – $5.50 7. Blue Hornet – $15 8. Dirt Farmer – $15