Mark Newnham hopes return to mile and Group Two level propels My Wish to Chairman’s Trophy glory

Leading trainer Mark Newnham is optimistic that a return to the 1,600m distance and the Group Two level will propel his four-year-old, My Wish, to victory in Monday's Chairman’s Trophy at Sha Tin. The bay colt, sired by Flying Artie, has been heralded as a potential Group One winner following an impressive four-year-old campaign. My Wish began his current season with a bang, securing victories in the Group Three Celebration Cup over 1,400m and the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy at 1,600m. However, since stepping up to level weights and then competing in Group One races, the horse has struggled to replicate his earlier form.

Newnham, known for his ability to guide talented horses to their full potential, believes that the drop back to the 1,600m distance and the Group Two level will be beneficial for My Wish. The trainer acknowledges that the colt has faced challenges in Group One company, where the competition is fiercer and the distances can be more demanding. By returning to a distance he has previously excelled at, Newnham hopes to see My Wish regain his confidence and showcase his true racing ability.

The Chairman’s Trophy, a Group Two race held at Sha Tin Racecourse, offers an ideal opportunity for My Wish to bounce back. The 1,600m distance is familiar territory for the horse, and the Group Two level provides a competitive field without the pressure of a Group One stakes. Newnham is confident that My Wish's recent preparation, which has focused on refining his race tactics and building endurance, will pay off in the upcoming race.

My Wish's journey has been marked by consistent improvement since his early racing days. After claiming the Group Three Celebration Cup, the colt followed up with a victory in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to different distances. However, when the stakes increased and the competition became more formidable, My Wish's performances dipped. Newnham attributes this to the heightened expectations and the physical demands of Group One races.

The trainer's decision to revert to the 1,600m distance and the Group Two level is not without precedent. Many horses have found success by stepping back down a level or adjusting their racing strategy when facing difficulties at the highest level. By doing so, they can regain their form and confidence before making another bid for Group One glory. Newnham is hopeful that My Wish will follow this pattern and use the Chairman’s Trophy as a springboard to return to the top.

In addition to My Wish's racing form, the Chairman’s Trophy itself presents an attractive opportunity. The Group Two race is well-attended and offers a competitive field, with several other well-regarded horses likely to be in contention. This level of competition will provide My Wish with the necessary challenge to perform at his best.

As the race day approaches, Newnham and his team are working diligently to ensure My Wish is in peak condition. The trainer has been careful to monitor the colt's training progress and adjust his workload accordingly. The goal is to strike the right balance between preparation and freshness, allowing My Wish to enter the race with the energy and focus needed to secure a victory.

My Wish's performance in the Chairman’s Trophy will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into his future prospects. A strong showing could rekindle expectations of a potential Group One win, while a less successful result might necessitate further adjustments to his racing strategy. Regardless of the outcome, Mark Newnham remains committed to guiding the talented colt and helping him reach his full potential on the racetrack.

In conclusion, Mark Newnham's decision to revert My Wish to the 1,600m distance and the Group Two level in the Chairman’s Trophy is a calculated move aimed at revitalizing the colt's racing career. With a proven ability to adapt and improve, My Wish has the opportunity to bounce back and reclaim his status as a top-class performer. The upcoming race will be a crucial test for both the horse and his trainer, with the stakes high for both a successful outcome and the future prospects of this promising four-year-old.