Maktoum is Ready To Roar
The TAB bookmakers aren’t giving him much of a chance in the race but Stephen McKee thinks Maktoum is ready to give Saturday’s $225,000 Group 1 Levin Stakes a real shake.
Maktoum has arrived in Trentham in good order and, based on how well he has come through his last race, a good run over 1600 metres is expected. Despite having drawn wide Stephen thinks he is ready to put his best foot forward. “He is still quite an inexperienced colt having just his 5th start on Saturday however he has shown us plenty of ability and I thought he was quite unlucky when finishing 5th against a strong field at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. The draw does make it tough for him but this gives us a chance to ride him quietly and his galloping action suggests that he will like tomorrow’s dead track”.
Maktoum (Makfi x Smitten Kitten) who is raced by the Pussy Cat Syndicate was a $100,000 purchase out of the 2016 Karaka Premier sale and was bought from the Valachi Stud draft. Racing Manager Matt Allnutt says, “We loved his breeding and once we saw how strong and athletic he was, he went straight on to our “must buy” list. I thought his performance at Ellerslie had plenty of merit about it and whilst he is up against a strong field tomorrow, I believe he will acquit himself well. We have Samantha Collett who is the country’s leading jockey booked to ride and the rain that has fallen in Wellington throughout the week will aid his chances”.
Alongside Maktoum, Go Racing has three other runners at Trentham including Eridani who is a Makfi filly having just her second raceday start. Black Sav is looking to get back into form and will be stepped-up to 2100 metres and veteran, Seize The Moment will look to defend his crown in the Group 3 Anniversary over 1600 metres.
Let’s hope the Pussy Cat syndicate have reason to really roar tomorrow.