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Sakewin continues winning run; Big Mike gearing up for Cup tilt
Sakewin continues winning run
New Zealand-bred gelding Sakewin extended his unbeaten streak in Hong Kong to two at Sha Tin on Sunday when winning the Game Spirit Handicap (1200m).
The son of Burgundy was pushed forward from the gates by jockey Joao Moreira to take an early lead where he was able to dictate terms throughout. He opened up in the straight to secure a comfortable victory.
It was a month between runs for the three-year-old, who was victorious over 1200m when on debut at Sha Tin last month.
He has impressed trainer Frankie Lor who is considering next season's Four-Year-Old Classic series with Sakewin.
"He's not a really big horse, he weighs only 1,080 (pounds). If he gets bigger and stronger, he should be a good horse for next season. He'll go a bit further," Lor said.
Sakewin initially raced in New Zealand as Legend for trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood, for whom he won both of his trials before being sold to Hong Kong interests.
Earlier on the card Cheval Valiant, Massive Action, and Nicholson Returns added further Kiwi-bred success to the meeting when winning over 1000m, 1400, and 1600m respectively.
Cheval Valiant won his sole trial in New Zealand for trainer Ross Beckett at Riccarton as a juvenile before he joined Douglas White's barn, placing on four occasions before his maiden win on Sunday.
Massive Action raced in New Zealand as Tar and Cement for trainer Tony Pike and was victorious in both of his starts in his homeland prior to his export to Hong Kong.
Nicholson Returns had two trials as a juvenile in New Zealand for a trainers Kenny Rae and Krystal Williams-Tuhoro, winning over 950m before his sale to Hong Kong interests.
Big Mike gearing up for Cup tilt
Evergreen galloper Big Mike could be gearing up for another Cup tilt after his victory in the Floyd & Toy Real Estate Property Brokers Open 2060 at Wanganui on Saturday.
It was the 15th win for the nine-year-old and trainers Craig and Shaun Phelan were rapt with the result.
"It was a huge thrill for us," Shaun Phelan told Weigh In. "We thought about retiring him last year, but we decided to have one more go.
"We made sure everything was right with him and we have done a few things different with him this prep.
"We have been lucky enough to have him on Harvey and Anne Wilson's property here and there just doing a bit of hill work. I think it has improved him and changed his mind a bit too."
Phelan is now eyeing a tilt at the Gr.3 Rotorua Cup (2200m) at Arawa Park next Saturday with Big Mike.
"We would love to have a go at the Rotorua Cup next start. We will just see what the weather does," he said.
"There will be something else for him where we can claim again."
Track conditions halt Steeplechase races
The steeplechase(s) scheduled for the Waikato meeting this Saturday, May 7, will not take place due to the extreme firmness of the steeplechase course.
With no rainfall over the last seven days (with a fine forecast) the course that is used for the steeplechase has come up a Firm1 with a moisture meter reading of 12.3 percent.
The scheduled hurdles will take place as programmed as they race on the course proper, which will be irrigated as per the normal track management plan.
