Mark Newnham is preparing for a pivotal moment in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series as his promising gelding, MY WISH, aims for victory in the prestigious HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, March 2. The Australian trainer remains optimistic that MY WISH’s improving race manners and ability to conserve energy will be key factors in his pursuit of success against elite competition.
Despite his relatively light frame of 990lb, MY WISH demonstrated remarkable tenacity in the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on January 31, securing a narrow but impressive win under jockey Luke Ferraris. This victory marked the first leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series and solidified MY WISH’s credentials as a serious contender for the upcoming challenge over an extended distance.
Newnham expressed confidence in his gelding’s condition following a trial run over 1200m on Sha Tin’s dirt track on February 21, where he finished third. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent routine, noting that MY WISH has adhered to a structured training programme throughout the season. The horse’s progress has been evident, rising from a 54-rater at the start of the season to a 95-rated performer, with four wins spanning distances from 1200m to 1600m.
A crucial aspect of MY WISH’s development has been his improved ability to settle in races, a trait that could prove decisive as he steps up to 1800m for the first time. Newnham highlighted that the gelding’s growing maturity and tactical awareness have allowed him to relax during races, efficiently conserve energy, and produce a strong finishing kick. This adaptability will be tested in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, but the trainer remains hopeful that MY WISH can handle the distance.
Jockey Luke Ferraris, who played a key role in the gelding’s Classic Mile triumph, will once again be aboard for the upcoming feature. Ferraris, currently fourth in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, has been instrumental in guiding MY WISH’s development on the track and will look to replicate their winning formula.
The Hong Kong Classic Cup will see MY WISH face stiff competition from a strong field, including PACKING HERMOD, RUBYLOT, DIVANO, JOHANNES BRAHMS, STUNNING PEACH, MICKLEY, NOISY BOY, CAP FERRAT, CALIFORNIATOTALITY, PACKING ANGEL, MONDIAL, STEPS AHEAD, and SKY TRUST. The race serves as the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, culminating in the prestigious HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 23.
Newnham remains focused on ensuring MY WISH continues his upward trajectory, believing that the gelding’s enhanced racecraft and composure will give him a strong chance to make a lasting impression in the Classic Cup and beyond.
