Matthew Poon Ming-fai is looking forward to partnering with a “more tough, more strong and more focused” Mapogo in the Class Four Promoting Health For All Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The promising Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained galloper jumped as the $1.8 favourite at his debut run last month and finished fourth, one and three-quarter lengths behind Run Run Sunrise.
The three-year-old had shown plenty of ability in trials but his lack of experience was evident on race day when placed under pressure and becoming unbalanced at the 200m mark.
The son of Anders has since won a trial at Sha Tin impressively by two and three-quarter lengths with Hugh Bowman aboard and is ready to fire with the addition of a tongue tie.
“After that first start he will be more tough, more strong and more focused. He had only had some soft trials before and race day pressure is different,” Poon said.
