Fresh off an impressive Class 1 victory at Pakenham last month, Maktoob was out to test his metropolitan credentials in the BM70 at Sandown yesterday.
After jumping well from a sticky gate, jockey Dean Holland was able to slot him into a nice position just worse than midfield. He travelled quite strong at certain sections throughout the first half of the race and as the field fanned on the bend he found a gap nearer the inside. Within a few strides he’d ambled up to the leader and when asked for an effort at the 300 he responded, albeit with his wheels spinning in the soft conditions. He went past the Greg Eurell horse but couldn’t quite shake him off, eventually toughing it out to the line to win by half a length.
He looks a progressive horse that can hopefully fly the flag for the stable during the Spring but his next assignment is yet to be determined. Congratulations to the winning ownership group who have an exciting horse on their hands and we look forward to seeing where he can get to.
