"In his first year (in the race) it was a mile on a heavy11 track and he ran on late and last year it was on a heavy10 and he got beaten by a nose. But this year the track will really suit him."
Old believes Our King Sway is a big chance on Saturday and is eyeing a tilt at the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) next month.
"It's a handy field, Stratocaster looks like he will be hard to beat. We're claiming three off (with apprentice jockey Darren Danis), so that will be good.
"We'll balance him up earlier and let him get home late. He's really fit, the best I have had him for a long time, so I would be very surprised if he wasn't close.
"If he goes well enough we'll got to the Matamata Cup a couple of weeks later."
Meanwhile, on the same day Old will line-up Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) hopeful Bizzwinkle in the Iconic Sunday Markets @ Avondale (2200m) at Avondale.
The stakes-placed five-year-old finished unplaced in the Reliable Man Trophy (1600m) fresh-up at Hastings and Old said Bizzwinkle will appreciate the step-up in distance on Saturday.
"It was a bit sharp for him, a mile down there in Hastings, so we can forget that run. He should be more competitive over 2200m, he's a big dour stayer," he said.
Old believes both of his horses will put in good performances, but he has elected to head to Taranaki where he thinks Our King Sway is the better chance of his two runners. – NZ Racing Desk