Emperor Max
Emperor Max arrived in Newmarket on the 27th of September and by all accounts is thriving in his prep for Saturday’s Qipco Gr1 Champion Sprint at Ascot.
One of the better Sprinters around, Max followed up his tremendous second in this year’s running of the Krisflyer Sprint with a win he and regular pilot Corey Brown salvaged after some very worrying times between the 700-300m market. He looked all but done with at this point but again rallied and showed his brilliant form had not disappeared as he rallied to win in one of the comeback performances during a race I have ever seen.
It was that victory and his soundness post -race that were the deciding factors for Steven Gray and he accepted his invitation to run in the Ascot star show.
Steven has been with him for the last 10 days and Corey jetted out on Tuesday.
I really hope he goes well for Steven, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and the likeable Kiwi deserves all success that comes his way.
I interviewed Steven after a recent winner and he was excited at the prospect of his charge being based at Abington place, Mike De Kock’s UK base.
He admitted he has a lot of respect and admiration for the superstar trainer from South Africa and was grateful that Mike had opened his doors to him. He was also grateful that he was receiving many an invitation from trainers in and around Newmarket to pop in and have a look around. His wife Bridgette and their two kids jetted out on Sunday morning so it really is a family affair and I do wish him well.
Wouldn’t it just be fantastic if he could bring home the trophy – but no matter what just taking the chance and going over is a feat in itself!
Local News
War Affair – really talented sort
In local news it seems as though reigning Horse of the Year War Affair might be headed to international shores. Having missed the first leg of the open Triple Crown, trainer Alwin Tan suggested on Sunday that an international campaign was being earmarked for the star.
I will post more updates as they come to hand.
Quechua
Pat Shaw’s Derby and Gold Cup winner Quechua has reportedly pulled up sound as a bell and I cannot wait to see if he can make it back to back victories in the Gold Cup – provisionally my pick for now, it would be a marvelous feat for the ‘giant slayer’ and would add another Group 1 win to his already impressive tally.
Local juvenile star Super One was runner-up in his Aussie debut on Saturday.
Slightly disappointing were the reports from the media there but considering he had flown in and spent two weeks in quarantine – and took in the surrounds for the first time, I was not that disappointed. I expect tremendous improvement from him.
Bok
Finally onto my beloved Bokke, who have improved for me after that shock defeat.
I hope the team littered with old proven talent and young, exciting and up-and-coming players can excel on Saturday and make the late night vigil and long Sunday of presenting all worth it with a victory!
Till next time.
