Newnham on Derby ambitions

Every owner in Hong Kong dreams of having a runner in the HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and trainer Mark Newnham is aiming to fulfil the wishes of the Talentogether Syndicate when Talents Ambition (61.5kg) contests the Class 3 Ap Lei Chau Handicap over 1800m today at Happy Valley.

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The grey son of Into Mischief is rated 80, which could see him miss selection, but Newnham is aiming to boost Talents Ambition's rating in the HK$2.05 million finale where he begins from barrier 10 for his city circuit debut to lift his chances of securing a spot in the Classic.

"It's his last-ditch effort to get a berth in the Derby. He was probably just a bit too close the other day as he's a horse you have to ride quietly. The early pace in the race and the fact that he jumped quickly put him in a position probably where he couldn't win," Newnham said.

Andrea Atzeni rides Talents Ambition in this event. The pair face four last-start winners: Hameron (58.5kg), Fallon (58kg), Beauty Alliance (54.5kg) and Northern Beast (53kg).