There was a moment or two of concern but My Wish ultimately made the perfect start to what could be a big campaign with victory in the Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
After two impressive trials, last season’s Classic Mile winner was sent off the $2.25 favourite and trainer Mark Newnham was pleased to see him do what he thought he would.
“Everyone’s been excited, no one more than myself. He was going that well and we thought he’d make good improvement, so it was a bit like having a Christmas present under the tree and not being able to open it yet. But maybe Christmas came early,” said the trainer.
With My Wish racing in traffic one back on the rail turning for home, jockey Luke Ferraris had to wait until inside the 200m before spearing his mount through a gap and onto victory by a length and a quarter.
“It did look a little complicated there for a few strides but once he got the gap he put them away quite well,” said Newnham.
