Mark Newnham targets BMW Hong Kong Derby start for Talents Ambition

Every owner in Hong Kong dreams of having a runner in the HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and trainer Mark Newnham is aiming to fulfill the wishes of the Talentogether Syndicate when Talents Ambition (135lb) contests the Class 3 Ap Lei Chau Handicap (1800m) on Wednesday night (12 March) at Happy Valley.

The grey son of Into Mischief is rated 80, which could see him miss selection, but Newnham is aiming to boost Talents Ambition’s rating in the HK$2.05 million finale – where he begins from barrier 10 for his city circuit debut – to lift his chances of securing a spot in the Classic.

“It’s his last-ditch effort to get a berth in the Derby. He was probably just a bit too close the other day as he’s a horse you have to ride quietly. The early pace in the race and the fact that he jumped quickly put him in a position probably where he couldn’t win,” Newnham said.

Andrea Atzeni rides Talents Ambition tomorrow night. The pair face four last-start winners: Hameron (129lb), Fallon (128lb), Beauty Alliance (120lb) and Northern Beast (117lb).

Talents Ambition finished under three lengths from stablemate My Wish in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), the first leg the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which also comprises 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. 1800 metres around Happy Valley should suit – it’ll give him his chance to qualify. They (owners) want to have a Derby runner and this is the most appropriate race to get him there,” Newnham said.

Staged on 23 March at Sha Tin, the 14 horses selected for the BMW Hong Kong Derby are announced this Friday (14 March). Hong Kong Classic Mile winner My Wish and Hong Kong Classic Cup hero Rubylot – the highest rated entrant on 100 – should top the line-up.

My Wish is Newnham’s best performer in Hong Kong with four wins and HK$13.48 million in earnings. The Flying Artie gelding weighs under 1,000lb and was second last start in the Hong Kong Classic Cup.

“He’s (My Wish) perfect, he has come through it really well,” Newnham said.

Newnham also saddles Youthful Spirits in the Class 3 Cheung Chau Handicap (1200m) from barrier two with Luke Ferraris up tomorrow night. The five-year-old bay was second over 1000m at Happy Valley on 26 February.

“He’s going up to 1200 metres but his last run at 1200 was very good. He was only beaten by less than a length,” Newnham said.

“It might just mean that he doesn’t have as much pressure early, we know he’ll lead and we know he’s very fast, it’s just a matter of whether he hangs on or not. I think it’s time to test him again at 1200.”

Tactical Command represents the trainer in the Class 4 Peng Chau Handicap (1200m) after securing last-start victory over the course and distance under Alexis Badel.

“He’s been consistent all season. He’s probably getting up to a rating where it’s going to be difficult – it has been for him previously, but he’s in good shape,” Newnham said.

Wednesday’s (12 March) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Waglan Island Handicap (1000m).