On Sunday the SZR team made the trek down to Sale with high expectations with our progressive import Maktoob to be sent out the resounding favourite in the Ladbrokes Sale Cup.
The $200,000 Listed feature looked a very winnable race on paper with the Gavin Bedgood trained Keats looking the main danger. Maktoob jumped well from the machines and with good speed on was able to settle nicely midfield with cover and build into the race. Jockey Blaike McDougall produced him early in the straight and the battle was on to chase down the tough leader in Keats. He took a while to really hit top gear and continued to grind away at the leader, gradually wearing him down to run out a half length winner on the line. An A-Grade steer by Blaike and a gutsy win from our rising star.
This was the horse’s first stakes win and only being his 10th start, there appears to be plenty more upside in him. Thank you again to the wonderful group of owners, most of whom made the trek down by plane, train, helicopters or by any means necessary to cheer him on.
We look forward to his next start in either the $500,000 Country Cup Final at Caulfield on November 18 or the $500,000 Cranbourne Cup on 25th November.
