Maktoum wows at last minute
A last minute call to run from a wide draw paid dividends for Makfi colt Maktoum at Ellerslie in the IRT 1400 metres on Saturday.
“We thought long and hard about whether to start Maktoum given he had drawn the outside barrier but after the field fell away to just ten runners, the decision was made to roll the dice and start him,” says Go Racing Manager Matt Allnutt.
“He was beautifully ridden by Sam Spratt who had him one off the rail throughout and when she asked him to sprint, his acceleration was unbelievable. His closing sectionals were described as low flying by trainer Stephen McKee and his closing 400 metres was run in 22.07 seconds which was easily the fastest last 400 metres on the day. The fact that he was able to come from the back with the rail out 9.5 metres and win went totally against the racing pattern on the day and he looks to be in for a very nice campaign.”
Trainer Stephen McKee had him spot on in a fresh state. “He will only get better with more racing under his belt and we’ll make a decision on where his next race will be later this week when he is back under saddle. After that super start though we can look forward with some real confidence.”