Mark Newnham knows better than most what type of horse it takes to win a Spring Champion Stakes and he believes Randwick Kensington victor Matcha Latte fits the bill.
Newnham has won the Group 1 three-year-old feature twice in the past four years with Maid Of Heaven (2018) and Shadow Hero (2019) and he is hoping to aim Matcha Latte at the $2 million, October 22 race.
By well-performed stallion Maurice, Matcha Latte ($9) trailed the speed in Wednesday’s Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1300m) and finished best to defeat A Lot More Love ($15) by neck with Glint Of Silver ($10) holding third, another three-quarters of a length away.
While the colt was Group 3 placed as a juvenile, Newnham was pleased to see him get a win on the board.
“He has always been an above average colt,” Newnham said.
“He showed good ability in the autumn but matured nicely and I’m sure once we get him out to a mile plus, he’s going to be a bit better again.
“He will head to those races like the Gloaming (Stakes) and hopefully end up in the Spring Champion Stakes.”
Tom Sherry has ridden Matcha Latte in all four starts and was impressed with his seasonal return.
He said the horse would improve from the hitout fitness-wise and appreciate a longer journey.
“It was a tough effort from him. He was a little bit wide without cover for the majority of the race, so he has stuck on good and he hit the line strong,” Sherry said.
“I think we’re going to see the best of him when he gets up over a trip.”
A Lot More Love made good ground from the back to just miss, while favourite Perfect Thought finished eighth but went to the line untested after being held up for clear running in the straight.