Mark Newnham is keen to see what heights former Hong Kong sprinter Joyful Fortune can reach this preparation now he has the benefit of a local campaign under his belt.
The straight track specialist will have his first public hitout of the year in a 900m Randwick barrier trial on Monday following a promising spring that yielded a brace of wins at Flemington and an appearance in the $15 million The Everest.
Joyful Fortune is being geared up for a Group 1 return in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington on February 18 and Newnham is optimistic the gelding can continue to build on his strong record in Australia, particularly now horse and trainer are better acquainted.
“He is in really good shape so hopefully we get to the Lightning Stakes in just as good an order,” Newnham said.
“He came back from Hong Kong after knee surgery, so he takes a little bit of management, but I know him better now too.
“This is the second prep he’s had for me so I know what makes him tick and we seem to be getting on well.”
Newnham will also have stakes-winning mare Expat and Matcha Latte in the same Randwick heat as they step up preparations for the autumn.
Matcha Latte proved to be among the best middle-distance three-year-olds of his generation in the spring, following a luckless second to Sharp ‘N’ Smart in the Gloaming Stakes with a close-up fourth to the same horse in the Spring Champion Stakes.
He will resume in either the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill or the C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington, both on February 18, before heading towards the Randwick Guineas or Australian Guineas.
“There is a possibility he could go down there with Joyful Fortune and run on the same day, or he just runs in the Hobartville,” Newnham said.
“It might be a case of accepting in both and seeing where he draws.
“The only reason I’m keen to have a look at him in Melbourne is he is actually quite natural on that leg in his work so it might make sense that we play to his strengths.”
Several carnival horses will be on show at Monday’s trial session including VRC Oaks winner She’s Extreme, Caulfield Guineas hero Golden Mile and unbeaten two-year-old Barber.