It’s been a golden October for Mark Newnham, and the Australian trainer’s smile says it all. With a month that’s seen him notch 12 winners and surge to the top of Hong Kong’s trainers’ championship, Newnham heads into Thursday night’s Sha Tin all-dirt meeting looking to keep his momentum alive — and perhaps stretch his streak to a remarkable 13 consecutive race meetings with at least one winner.
The rhythm of success has been steady and strong for the 55-year-old horseman. Sitting comfortably on 18 wins, four clear of nearest rival Caspar Fownes (14), Newnham brings a five-runner team to the eight-race card. His arsenal includes the likes of Mojave Desert and New Forest, both tackling the Class 3 Pyramid Hill Handicap (1650m, dirt) — a race that could extend his championship lead even further.
Two-Pronged Attack in Pyramid Hill
The balance between power and patience defines Newnham’s approach. For Mojave Desert (130lb), the key lies in timing and rhythm. “He’s at his best when he’s tucked away and only has to sprint for about 300 metres,” Newnham said. “From the wide draw (11), he’ll just need the right tempo and the right horses to bring him into the race. His winning chance will come in the final 100.”
With Andrea Atzeni aboard, Mojave Desert chases a second win in three starts. Stablemate New Forest (118lb), meanwhile, takes a more assertive approach under Lyle Hewitson, drawn even wider in gate 13. “New Forest is the opposite — he’ll be on pace,” Newnham added. “We’ve got one coming from behind and one up front. The race pace will tell the story.”
My Wish Targets Bigger Prizes Ahead
While the dirt-track duo handle Thursday’s duties, all eyes remain on My Wish, Newnham’s breakout star of the season. The gelding, already a dual Group winner after taking both the G3 Celebration Cup (1400m) and the G2 Sha Tin Trophy (1600m), will trial again before his next test in the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) on 23 November.
“His recovery between runs is much better this season; he’s matured,” Newnham said. “He’ll trial on the 14th, and come December, he’ll need to take another step when it’s level weights. But he’s showing he’s ready for that.”
Newnham’s remaining trio for Thursday — Notthesillyone, Impending Legacy, and Fatal Blow — provide added depth across the program.
Britney Wong’s Momentum Builds
Elsewhere, apprentice Britney Wong is riding her own wave of confidence. Fresh off her first Class 2 victory in Sunday’s HK$3.12 million Panasonic Cup Handicap (1600m), she’s set for a return to the dirt aboard Jolly Companion in the Class 4 Shek Uk Shan Handicap (1200m, dirt) for Manfred Man.
“He gets back to his favourite track on the dirt,” Wong said. “He’s not been at his best lately, but we’ll go out there confident and do our best.”
Wong also links up with David Hayes on Precision Goal (110lb) in the Pyramid Hill Handicap. Hayes acknowledged the challenge: “We’ve drawn badly (14), and he likes to go forward, so it’ll be tough from there.”
The veteran trainer also fields Ariel (123lb) with Ellis Wong claiming five pounds. “He’s good on dirt, and with the race speed, he should get a nice position. He’s fit, and this is his kind of race,” Hayes said.
The Sha Tin all-dirt card on Thursday (30 October) begins at 7:15pm with the Class 5 Wa Mei Shan Handicap (1650m), promising another intriguing evening under the lights.
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