Newnham has Sha Tin ambitions

Mark Newnham is rolling through his second season in Hong Kong with flying colours and on Wednesday the trainer saddles five runners at Sha Tin’s eight-race all-dirt programme.

Following a 31-win debut campaign, Newnham has made an immediate impression this term with 11 wins from 59 starters across the initial 13 fixtures of 2024/25 – a tally bettered by only David Hayes (14) and Pierre Ng (12), while Caspar Fownes also has 11 wins.

The 56-year-old Newnham collected a double last Sunday at Sha Tin, while his statistics on the dirt in 2023/24 saw him strike at 17% with seven wins from 41 starters.

Steely grey Talents Ambition – much like Newnham – has returned in fine order this campaign and represents the handler in the HK$2.05 million Class 3 Tsim Mei Fung Handicap (1650m), drawn in gate three with jockey Harry Bentley engaged.

“It looks like an ideal race for him. I’ve been holding him back and waiting for this race. I gave him a trial in between and I gave him a gallop last Sunday – he felt great,” Newnham said.

The Into Mischief gelding registered his first Hong Kong win over today’s course and distance last season. He resumed on 15 September, finishing third over 1200m on dirt, before crossing the line first in a recent trial over the same trip in 1m 11.02s on 8 October.

“I think he’s a decent horse regardless of the surface but his two runs on the dirt have been fantastic and the last time he got to a mile he won easily, so it looks like a nice race for him,” Newnham said.

Talents Ambition is eligible for the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which commences with the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 31 January 2025.

“We’ll keep him on the dirt for now. If we can get his rating up, well, he’s still eligible for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series and I’m sure he’ll run past a mile – he’s so relaxed in his work,” Newnham said.

Talents Ambition faces Apache Pass, Turin Mascot, Supreme Agility, Perfect Team, Toy Soltero, Fighting Machine, Young Brilliant, Good Luck Babe, Massive Action, Satirical Fan and Super Love Dragon at Sha Tin.

“We’ve seen in his (Talents Ambition) last three runs he’s strengthened. He only just got beaten on the turf over a mile, then he won on the dirt and then his first-up run was terrific over an unsuitable distance,” Newnham said.

The Australian also fields Super Charizzard, Always Fluke, So Treasure and One For All, who races third-up in the HK$2.05 million Class 3 Wa Mei Shan Handicap (1200m).

The six-year-old One For All breaks from barrier four under Alexis Badel in the Sha Tin finale – his first start on the big track’s alternate surface.

“He’s always trialled really well on the dirt. I just thought at Class 3 level on the turf, they’re probably a little bit good for him at the moment, so it’s a good opportunity to test him still in that grade with a nice light weight when all of his trials on there have been good,” Newnham said.

Always Fluke contests the night’s feature – the HK$1.17 million Class 4 JCI Hong Kong Senate Cup Handicap (1200m) with Luke Ferraris from stall No 6. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Go Go Go looks always a threat in Class 5 and must be respected from a good draw. Nice Birdie a proven performer at this level and the switch to the AWT could spark a surprise. Fruity Warrior remains a maiden after 11 starts, but his recent runs have been encouraging, and he appears overdue for a win. Golden Fairy has the ability to win in this class as his record suggests, and can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Keen Unity likes to get back and charge home, and will make his presence felt if the pace suits.

Race 2: Gallant Goody should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, and with Purton jumping on board, he could finally break through. Vulcanus finished a close second last start despite racing wide and can make amends with better luck in running. Patch Of Watch appears suited by the drop in distance, and from pole position, he could surprise at value with the apprentice claim. High Rise Power stormed home for a good third last time out and is edging closer to a win. Super Joy had genuine excuses (blood in trachea) last start and is worth considering again.

Race 3: Lucky Banner has shown consistent form on the all-weather surface and could be hard to run down with Ellis Wong’s 7-pound claim. Hakka Radiance finished a solid second despite being held up in the straight last start and can go one place better with a smoother run. Floof caused an upset two starts ago and consider if his odds offer value. Only U caught the eye running home strongly last start and is well placed in a field with enough pace to suit him. Never Peter Out possessing tactical speed and being well weighted, he should run a big race if he can handle the extended mile trip.

Race 4: Galvanic both the drop in class and switch to the AWT are positive factors based on his record and they should result in a much improved performance. Snowalot a proven performer at this level and rates in the better chances with Purton aboard. Forever Folks last start winner who remains in the same grade and must be respected. Reliable Profit scored an easy win in Class 5 last time out and remains a strong chance despite the rise in class. Excel Wongchoy a consistent performer of late and is worth considering if his odds offer value.

Race 5: Fun N Fun Together has been knocking on the door since day one, and with Purton aboard, his consistency could finally be rewarded. Hinokami Kagura looks a solid chance based on his fast-finishing second last time out. Bowser let down sharply to finish runner-up last start and looks one to follow despite drawing wide again. Always Fluke has trialled well since a recent stable change, and improvement is expected. Shanghai Style led all the way to score at big odds three starts ago, but has failed to show early speed since. He may run a cheeky race here.

Race 6: Holy Power looked unlucky when held up at a crucial stage last start, so it was no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. He is ideally weighted to make amends. Regent Glory a fast beginner who should run well from a good draw, especially with the apprentice claim. Jolly Companion scored a comfortable on-pace win last start and remains a strong chance with a 10-pound claimer aboard. Cosmo Navigator still a maiden galloper but his recent runs suggest a win is just around the corner. Lightning Bolt has dropped in the ratings and could place at value in a field of this nature.

Race 7: Talents Ambition is highly suited by the rise in distance after finishing third over 1200m first-up and can be hard to hold out from a good draw. Perfect Team looks well placed with a 7-pound claimer and may turn the tables on Talents Ambition based on collateral form. Turin Mascot turned in a nice effort last run and rates among the better chances. Apache Pass looks ready to improve dropping to Class 3, where he has a solid record. Supreme Agility has not been beaten far in recent starts and can upset some more fancied rivals on best form.

Race 8: Capital Delight has a better chance over this distance and is expected to put in a strong performance with Vincent Ho aboard. Super Win Dragon last start winner who remains in the same grade, and from an inside draw, he looks on track for a double. Packing Bole a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Self Improvement did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Hong Kong Hall a dangerous frontrunner, he looks capable of causing an upset with a well-timed ride.