Luke Ferraris and Australian trainer Mark Newnham score a quick double together with Mission Bravo (HKJC).
Luke Ferraris gave new Hong Kong trainer Mark Newnham his first winner on the island and today on the Sha Tin All Weather track he gave the Australian his first Hong Kong double.
Those are the only winners Newnham has had this season to date.
Ferraris goes to six wins for the season, joining Lyle Hewitson on that number and their compatriot Keagan de Melo is just one behind them.
In the second race of the day, a class 5 handicap over 1200m, Ferraris was on the Australian-bred five-year-old gelding All Is Ready (Super One), who was paying HK$4.50 on the Tote.
He drove the strongly built grey into a midfield position from draw four. The horse travelled strongly and Luke switched him out before reaching the straight. The pacemaker had stolen a march on the rail but the grey began eating up the ground down the centre with long strides and he caught the latter close to home. However, he was finishing so strongly he won by 1,75 lengths.
In the next race, a class 4 handicap over 1650m, Luke was on the Australian-bred six-year-old gelding Mission Bravo (Smart Missile), who was paying HK$4.10 on the Tote.
Jumping from draw ten the race caller commented that Mission Bravo “didn’t leave as quick as he can.”
Nevertheless, Ferraris stuck to the game plan and drove him up meaning he took the first turn four wide.
However, Ferraris managed to relax him down the back straight while still staying in touch with the leader Lucky Banner in a clear second place. He gave him a breather around the final turn, although the horse’s big stride carried him alongside the Lucky Banner. These two then had a ding dong tussle down the straight.
Mission Bravo always looked to have Lucky Banner’s measure, but only held on by a short-head, because the latter fought back late in the race.
It was a good ride considering the likely slower than expected start.
