Every racehorse owner in Hong Kong dreams of a runner in the prestigious HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), and trainer Mark Newnham is determined to keep that dream alive for the Talentogether Syndicate. Their contender, TALENTS AMBITION, will take to the track on Wednesday night (March 12) at Happy Valley in the Class 3 Ap Lei Chau Handicap (1800m), hoping to secure a crucial rating boost to earn a Derby spot.
The talented grey son of Into Mischief currently holds a rating of 80, which places him at risk of missing the cut when the 14-horse Derby field is announced on Friday (March 14). Drawing barrier 10 for his city circuit debut, TALENTS AMBITION faces a tough assignment, but Newnham remains optimistic.
“This is his last-ditch effort to get into the Derby,” Newnham said. “He was probably just a bit too close the other day. He’s a horse you need to ride quietly, but the early pace and the fact that he jumped quickly put him in a position where he couldn’t win.”
Andrea Atzeni takes the reins, guiding TALENTS AMBITION against a competitive field featuring four last-start winners—HAMERON, FALLON, BEAUTY ALLIANCE, and NORTHERN BEAST.
Despite the challenge, TALENTS AMBITION has already demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level, finishing within three lengths of stablemate MY WISH in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m). That race marked the opening leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which also includes the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m).
“I think he’s going well, and his run in the Classic Mile was very good,” Newnham said. “The 1800 metres around Happy Valley should suit him, and this is his best chance to qualify. The owners want a Derby runner, and this is the most appropriate race to get him there.”
The BMW Hong Kong Derby, set for March 23 at Sha Tin, will feature an elite line-up, likely headlined by MY WISH, the Hong Kong Classic Mile winner, and RUBYLOT, the Classic Cup hero and highest-rated entrant at 100.
Newnham’s leading star, MY WISH, has already amassed HK$13.48 million in earnings from four victories. The Flying Artie gelding, weighing under 1,000lb, was a runner-up in the Classic Cup and remains in top form. “He’s perfect,” Newnham confirmed. “He has come through it really well.”
Beyond TALENTS AMBITION’s Derby aspirations, Newnham will also saddle YOUTHFUL SPIRITS in the Class 3 Cheung Chau Handicap (1200m). The five-year-old, partnered with Luke Ferraris from barrier two, steps up in trip after finishing second over 1000m at Happy Valley on February 26.
“He’s going up to 1200 metres, but his last run at that distance was very good—he was only beaten by less than a length,” Newnham said. “He’s very fast, and we know he’ll lead. It’s just a matter of whether he can hang on.”
In the Class 4 Peng Chau Handicap (1200m), TACTICAL COMMAND will look to build on his last-start course-and-distance victory under Alexis Badel.
“He’s been consistent all season,” Newnham said. “He’s probably getting to a rating where it’ll be more difficult—it has been for him in the past—but he’s in good shape.”
Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 p.m. with the Class 5 Waglan Island Handicap (1000m), setting the stage for an exciting night of racing.
