Mark Newnham will saddle a strong squad at Wednesday’s all-weather meeting at Sha Tin, where the trainer leads the championship with 51 wins, one more than Caspar Fownes. Newnham also ranks second on the all-weather this season with 8 wins, behind Danny Shum Chap-shing’s 9. [1]
Cloud Nine will make his first start on the surface in the Class Four Carnation Handicap over 1,200m. He breaks from barrier 12 and will wear blinkers for the first time. Newnham said: "I’ve always thought it would be suitable for him. He’s got a South American pedigree, which generally produces good results on the dirt. He’s only had one trial on there and he trialled well. He is always worked well on there, so he’s given me the impression that it’d be suitable for him." [1]
Talents Ambition will carry 135lb in the Class Three Camellia Handicap over 1,650m with Zac Purton in the saddle. Newnham said the horse had shown enough in recent work and that he wanted to keep him at his preferred track and trip. "Luke thought he just lost a bit of focus last start when he turned home at Happy Valley. He’s worked well in them and I think it was the right time to put them on," Newnham said. [1]
Bull Attitude will line up in the Class Four Chamomile Handicap over 1,650m. He will again be ridden by Lyle Hewitson, from barrier 3, for the fourth straight start. Newnham said the gelding needs the race run to suit after a close finish last time. "He just needs things to unfold well for him. He only just missed the other day. He’s a horse that gets back, so he requires a bit of luck in running. But if we get a genuine pace, he should put himself in the finish," he said. [1]
Newnham also has a fourth runner, with the stable looking for another lift at a meeting that begins on Wednesday at Sha Tin. He said of the dirt switch for Cloud Nine: "He’s a good dirt horse. There’s not a lot of options for him at his rating, so top weight in the extended rating band in Class Three is suitable. He’s going to need a genuine pace and a good ride from Zac." [1]
