Mark Newnham is eyeing Saturday’s Sha Tin meeting as a pivotal moment in Invincible Ibis’ path towards the Hong Kong Derby.
The emerging four-year-old has put together a consistent profile with two wins and three placings from five outings and Newnham believes the gelding has the credentials to progress through Hong Kong’s feature series.
While Zac Purton has been aboard Invincible Ibis for his past two victories, the leading rider is yet to commit beyond Saturday’s assignment.
Invincible Ibis will contest the Poinsettia Handicap (1600m), his first attempt at the mile and a crucial test ahead of Derby considerations.
Newnham conceded Purton’s view after the run will heavily influence future plans.
“Zac rides who he wants to ride and it doesn’t always suit me,” Newnham said.
“I actually chased Zac for this horse but he will jump off just as quickly.
“As we head to the four-year-old series, Zac will probably has his pick of six or seven horses (towards the features) and after this race we’ll find out if he’s in his top two or three, or he casts him aside for something else,”
Newnham referenced My Wish, who competed in last Sunday’s Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m), as an example of patience paying dividends.
According to Racing and Sports expert Jaike Altieri, Invincible Ibis is tracking along a similar developmental curve.
“By our ratings measure, Invincible Ibis also rates the same as My Wish at the same stage in their careers,” Altieri said.
“Invincible Ibis has put nice margins on handy horses his past couple and there’s nothing in his profile that suggests stepping out to the mile is going to be an issue.”
Newnham currently shares the lead in the Hong Kong trainers’ premiership with Caspar Fownes, both on 24 wins.
Purton remains comfortably in front in the jockeys’ race with 48 wins, holding a significant margin over Hugh Bowman.
Invincible Ibis, chasing his 100th Hong Kong success, forms part of Newnham’s five-runner team this weekend.
Odds and wagering options for the Sha Tin meeting are available via Australia’s betting sites guide.