MASTER EIGHT & COPARTNER AMBITION

24th Oct 2016

Two of the raft of promising Price Bloodstock four-year-olds threw out their credentials for better races ahead when Master Eight and Copartner Ambition were back in the winner’s circle at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Trainer Chris So said the Classic Mile in late January is on the agenda for Copartner Ambition after the Starspangledbanner gelding appreciated a stronger tempo to come from last to win the 1400m Class 3 under Vincent Ho.

better will consider aiming Copartner Ambition at the lucrative Hong Kong Four-Year-Old Classic series after the Starspangledbanner gelding sealed success under Vincent Ho in the Class 3 Sea Eagle Handicap (1400m).

“The owner wants to maybe head to the Classic Series,” So said. “This horse can continue to improve and maybe if he keeps on going, we can look at the Classic Series. He’s better now among other horses. In the past, he has been shying away. It was nice to see him win again today.”

So will get another chance to assess Copartner Ambition against Class 3 opposition next time but that might not be the case for Frankie Lor with unbeaten Master Eight, who made it three wins from three starts at his first appearance for the season and the handicapper will likely lift him a grade for the comfortable victory.

Taken straight to the lead by Joao Moreira, Master Eight was never really threatened despite once again showing some signs of greenness and inexperience.

“There are some big races for him later on. He looks like he will still improve, he’s only had three starts and he needs to learn to relax a little bit more and he will be better,” Lor explained. “Next start he will go up to Class 2 and we will know a lot more then.”

Moreira has piloted Master Eight on every occasion and was positive about his future, too.

“He’s talented, promising. He didn’t disgrace in any aspect. He knew what we were asking him to do today and he just delivered,” Moreira said.“Today, no-one has led and won, only this one so far. He looked very good, we will stick to 1200metres I think – if you go a little bit further, he might be too keen at this stage.”