It was just two years ago that Munhamek secured victory in the Listed Winter Championship Series Final, but it feels like an age ago for Nick Ryan.
The respected trainer’s stable stalwart was an eight-year-old when he achieved that Flemington triumph, and he now hopes to see a similar result with another eight-year-old runner, Highlights, this Saturday.
Both gallopers arrived at Ryan’s stable through different paths. Munhamek hailed from Hong Kong, while Highlights made his way from the Guy stable in Queensland and, more recently, from Bjorn Baker’s yard in Sydney. Both horses have utilised the David Bourke Handicap (1620m) as their preparatory run.
Highlights delivered his most impressive performance for the new connections in the David Bourke Handicap, finishing a close third, just a head behind the winner Seafall. Ryan acknowledged that integrating the horse into the stable has been a learning curve.
“His form with me has been a little bit patchy, but he’s had excuses every time he’s run badly,” Ryan stated.
“He looked the winner the other day, and he’s come through the run well, so no doubt we’ll head to the final on Saturday.
“He’s very structurally good, he’s a little bit quirky… he trialled well nude with no gear on at Werribee so we just stripped everything back, left the tongue tie on, but I think it certainly helped.”
The David Bourke Handicap has proven to be a strong indicator for the Winter Championship Series Final in recent seasons. Jimmy The Bear followed Munhamek’s path by completing the double last year, and Tuvalu achieved the same feat in 2022.
“I did it with Munhamek, he won that race and went on to win the final so it’s generally the right way to go,” Ryan commented.
“Like I said, his form does look patchy but he’s had excuses every time. Hopefully he’ll improve off that run and be a lightweight chance in the final.”
Considering Highlights’ competitive showing, punters might find value in exploring the racing odds available at leading Australian betting sites.