McKhan primed for northern raid
Awapuni galloper McKhan (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) has had everything go his way this preparation and he has performed accordingly, and trainer Ashley Meadows is hoping his golden run continues at Te Rapa on Saturday.
The rising eight-year-old gelding hasn’t finished outside of the money in his four starts this preparation, including winning his last two outings in open company.
Buoyed by McKhan’s run of form, Meadows was in search of his next target and had to set his sights north after he couldn’t find a suitable race in his own region, and he landed on Saturday’s Paul McGlade Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m), with its $100,000 purse a big draw.
“He has won his last two and he is going super and there was nowhere else to go,” Meadows said. “It is worth the travel going for it.”
Meadows said McKhan is thriving on winter racing.
“I think he has been quite well placed, he has got in on the minimum and on off tracks, they have probably helped him out a bit too,” he said.
“He has matured and he is racing a lot kinder now too. As a young horse he was quite difficult, but he is settling in his races and he is seeing out a trip.”
McKhan will jump from barrier seven on Saturday and will be ridden by apprentice jockey Liam Kauri.
“I am quite happy with the draw,” Meadows said. “I think Pacifico might lead and there is speed outside him, so he should get another cosy run in the trail.”
McKhan is currently an $8.50 equal second favourite for the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m), alongside Pacifico (NZ) (Ardrossan) and Notabadspillane (NZ) (Time Test), with Tisse heading the market at $3.60.
Win, lose or draw, Meadows said McKhan will head for a well-deserved break following his weekend run.
Looking ahead to the new season, Meadows is excited about the return of his Group Three winner The Scunner (NZ) (Shamexpress).
The rising seven-year-old gelding had a pleasing season, winning two of his eight starts, including the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) at Trentham in December, and he was also runner-up in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m).
The Scunner is being set to defend his crown in the Spring Sprint, but this year at its usual home of Hastings in October on the final day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival.
