In a display of pure class and determination, King Of Light lived up to his long-standing favouritism with a destructive victory in the Group 2 $500,000 WA Guineas at Ascot on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The unbeaten colt extended his perfect record to five wins from five starts in spectacular fashion.
A Tactical Masterclass
Starting as the $1.75 favourite, King Of Light surprised connections with his early speed, jumping cleanly from the 1600m gates. However, it was Heeza Phoenix ($6.50) who burned across from out wide to establish a clear lead, setting a strong pace for the field.
Legendary jockey William Pike positioned King Of Light in midfield, approximately five lengths from the leader and one horse off the fence. The race took a dramatic turn at the 400m mark when the favourite found himself hemmed in by traffic, just as Heeza Phoenix began to slip away from the pack.
As the field straightened with 300m remaining, the situation looked dire for supporters of the hot favourite. Heeza Phoenix bounded three lengths clear with a brilliant turn of foot, while Pike was forced to sit and wait for an opening aboard King Of Light.
The Winning Move
At the 200m mark, Pike finally found his opportunity, squeezing through a narrow gap and unleashing King Of Light after the tearaway leader. Jockey Lucy Fiore continued to nurse Heeza Phoenix toward the finish, but the favourite made rapid progress, quickly eroding the deficit.
With just 60m remaining, Dan Morton's chestnut colt drew level and stormed to the front, powering away from the valiant pacesetter to secure a length-and-a-quarter victory. Rock Fest ($4) plugged home to claim third place, another length further back.
Trainer and Jockey Reactions
Trainer Dan Morton, who has been experiencing one of his best-ever training runs with recent wins in the Fairetha, Lee Steere and Champion Fillies' Stakes, admitted to nerves during the race.
"I was nervous. When he was rolling back towards the fence, I thought, 'we're going to need some luck here'," Morton confessed. "But Pikey on top, you just bank on the fact he's going to find a way, and he does, and the horse is very good."
Morton praised his star galloper's temperament and ability, noting: "He's got a big motor but he's got a laid-back demeanour, so he's a beautiful horse to train. Five for five, not many do it, and there's a lot of upside."
William Pike revealed that King Of Light had been more agitated than usual before the race, which concerned the champion jockey. "He was quite fired up for him; he's normally the most casual horse you'll find. Today, he was just a bit agitated," Pike explained.
The jockey admitted he was "very concerned" when trapped in traffic on the turn, relying on the horse's class to find a way through. "All I wanted to do was follow Chris Parnham (Rock Fest), I thought he was one of the key rivals to beat. But it just didn't find when he needed it to and that left me in a very sticky situation," Pike said.
Looking Ahead to the Northerly Stakes
The victory has seen King Of Light installed as a commanding $2.70 favourite for the upcoming Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 6. Morton confirmed the race has long been part of the plan for his rising star.
"It's been in the back of my mind for a long time," Morton revealed. "Everything's got to go great and you have to win a race to get yourself into the race, but I think he'll be right amongst it."
Both trainer and jockey believe the experience of racing in front of a big crowd will benefit the gelding, with Pike suggesting the occasion may have initially overawed him. The combination of tactical brilliance, raw ability and professional handling has positioned King Of Light as one of Western Australia's most exciting racing prospects heading into the summer carnival.
