Mbube is set to benefit from ample practice on the Flemington straight as he prepares to contest the Danehill Stakes.
Trainer Lloyd Kennewell seized the opportunity when the Flemington straight was made accessible to outside horses competing in Saturday’s Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m).
The Danehill Stakes serves as a crucial stepping stone towards the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31, a race widely regarded as a ‘stallion making race’.
Having debuted with a victory at Sandown in June, Kennewell has consistently targeted the Coolmore Stud Stakes for Mbube.
Following his Sandown triumph, Mbube returned from a spell to finish second behind Paradoxium in the Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on September 12.
Post this performance, Kennewell brought Mbube back to Flemington for an 800-metre trial last Thursday.
Mbube finished last in the trial, however, Kennewell’s focus was not on the finishing order but on providing the colt with further track experience.
“He just poked around, just for fitness and to give him another look,” Kennewell stated.
“It was good for the mind, body and soul.”
“He did enough. He ran last but on his sectional data he was still running crazy sectionals.”
“I’m glad he wasn’t upfront. They were going very quick in that trial.”
Despite his first-up defeat at Flemington three weeks prior, Kennewell expressed satisfaction with Mbube’s run.
Crucially, he has observed a notable improvement in the colt’s fitness levels.
“He needed it and probably just peaked late, and he bumped into a hard fit Sydney horse, that is obviously a good horse,” Kennewell commented.
“He has come on fitness wise very nicely and taking him out there last week was good and on Tuesday he had a nice little gallop, in hand, and he’s ready to go.”
Billy Egan, who guided Mbube to victory on debut, will resume his partnership with the colt on Saturday, following Mark Zahra’s ride in the Poseidon Stakes.
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