Mark Newnham is poised to sustain his strong form this season as Bravehearts targets the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Buffalo Hill Handicap (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, December 29. With 22 wins to his name this term, Newnham sits third in the 2024/25 Hong Kong trainers’ standings, trailing Pierre Ng (26 wins) and Danny Shum (22), with David Hayes close behind on 21 victories.

Newnham attributes Bravehearts’ success this season to a more composed racing style and the expert handling by jockey Matthew Poon.

“He’s a talented stayer who has matured significantly,” Newnham explained. “Last season, he tended to over-race and didn’t finish strongly. Matthew has done a great job getting him to relax early, which allows him to conserve energy for a strong finish.”

Bravehearts, a former South American Group 1 winner, has demonstrated his prowess at 2000m, with a win over the distance earlier in the season. He enters Sunday’s race with 118lb, a notable drop from his recent third-place finish under 133lb over 1800m. Newnham believes the return to 2000m and lighter weight will play to his strengths.

The field includes notable challengers such as Senor Toba (135lb), Money Catcher (133lb), and Atullibigeal (129lb), promising an exciting contest.

Beyond Bravehearts, Newnham will also field Full Credit in the Class 3 D’Aguilar Peak Handicap (1200m, dirt). Partnered with Lyle Hewitson, Full Credit has shown promise on dirt, finishing second in his last start and impressing in trials.

Other Sunday Highlights

Frankie Lor will join forces with Zac Purton as Heroic Master competes in the Class 3 Butterfly Bay Handicap (1000m). Purton, fresh off equaling Brett Prebble’s record of six Happy Valley wins in a single meeting, will aim to guide Heroic Master to victory after two consecutive minor placings.

Meanwhile, dual Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble sharpened up for the upcoming HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on January 19 with a solid dirt trial under Matthew Poon. The Hong Kong Mile winner finished a close second to Sky Heart, completing his preparation in impressive fashion.

The 10-race card at Sha Tin begins at 1 p.m. with the Class 5 Port Shelter Handicap (1000m), promising an action-packed day for racing enthusiasts.