Sha Tin – Tuesday, 26 December 2023
Race 5 – Class 4 – 1200m
Mr Maestro – 4th – 2.75L
This Jamie Richards-trained 4YO was having his second career start on Tuesday after a decent first-up fifth in a slow-run race 23 days prior.
From the stewards report: On jumping was bumped by NISHIKADO which shifted out. When questioned, A Atzeni stated that the pre-race instructions were to endeavour to take up a midfield position, however, after the incident at the start, he elected to shift across behind runners from a wide barrier for which he was able to make up ground during the race on the rail. He said bearing in mind it was only its second race start, his mount was quite green and had difficulty obtaining clear running in the Home Straight, particularly inside the final 400 Metres where it hung in near the 200 Metres when hit with the whip, obliging him having to straighten MR MAESTRO and then shift out several horses to eventually obtain clear running near the 150 Metres.
Super Goldi scores a sharp debut win! 💥
The HK$4.6 million purchase out of the 2023 Hong Kong International Sale denies the favourite Top Scorer with Derek Leung for trainer Frankie Lor… #HKracing pic.twitter.com/1wyWwgAhuc
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 26, 2023
We expect Mr Maestro to continue improving with race experience, considering he is still showing signs of immaturity while performing well. Overall, this race was messy back in the main pack. Both STRATHPEFFER and debutant SUPER SIXTY from the Caspar Fownes yard didn’t receive many favours but could rebound next start. It’s worth replaying a few times over!
Race 9 – Class 3 – 1000m
Kyeema – 9th – 4.25L
There was a bit chatter surrounding the debut of this well-travelled 3YO in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Despite the buzz, we deemed his starting price of 11/1 fair, considering he was debuting over 1000m, which, on paper, falls short of his optimal distance. Don’t anticipate that price next time, though!
Another intriguing aspect of the puzzle is that, despite KYEEMA likely needing the run, Zac Purton was in the saddle for the first-up assignment after having ridden the eventual winner, NORTHERN BEACHES, in his last two races.
However, one can only speculate about the reason behind this, considering that the champion jockey might have committed to KYEEMA weeks before knowing about NORTHERN BEACHES’ entry. In the larger context, though, it suggests that Purton likely holds some confidence in KYEEMA’s future prospects.
Mark Newnham prepares Kyeema (R9) for his Hong Kong debut on Tuesday; here's what the handler has to say… #HKracing pic.twitter.com/tKsOKl7fSH
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 24, 2023
From the stewards’ report: A little slow to begin and was then checked severely a short distance after the start when crowded for room between HERO MASTER which shifted out despite the efforts of its rider and CALIFORNIA TOUCH which was taken in by PACKING BOLE after both horses had made contact on the hindquarters. When questioned, Z Purton stated that after suffering significant interference at the start, his mount lost considerable ground and given its best performances were over 1400 Metres when racing overseas, it then made up good ground inside the final 200 Metres once recovering from the interference early.
Northern Beaches gets going late!
The Australian import is on the board in Hong Kong as @LyleHewitson seals a double… ✌️ #HKracing pic.twitter.com/naWIO0E8zS
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 26, 2023
This was a promising starting point for KYEEMA…keep an eye on him as he steps out over more ground as his preparation continues.
