Up for the Challenge
Prince Mambo competes in the Listed $50,000 AG Challenge Stakes in Wanganui on Saturday.
Mambo is backing up his recent strong performance in the listed Rangitikei Gold Cup where he finished fourth.
“He led the whole way and kicked well but the heavy track cost him in the end. He’s better on a slow track and conditions look to be right up his alley for Saturday,” says trainer Stephen McKee.
However the weights will be against him in the Weight For Age. He last raced in a handicap where he carried just 54 kilos, but under weight for age he will have the same weight as much higher rated horses.
This will be his final tilt in a successful campaign dating all the way back to November last year, “With a hat trick of wins under his belt, he has thrived during this campaign and it is worth a final crack at the Challenge before he goes to the paddock,” says Racing Manager Albert Bosma. Lisa Allpress, who has been successful on him before, will ride.
Winter performer Thorn Pass will resume at the same meeting in a rating 85 1340 metres in an important campaign for the six year old.
Bosma said he failed to fire last campaign and this time in will determine his future. “The slow track will suit him, he gets in ok at the weights and, while he would have preferred more ground, his fitness will only accommodate 1340 metres. So it is a kicking off point for him and he will improve a lot for the run. Robbie Hannam who knows him well, will ride.