KUALA LUMPUR: October 27, 2024

Two wins from two starts and his trainer is already thinking of the big races next year for Duma.

That speaks volumes about the prospect of the New Zealand gelding after his victory in the TBC GameFi Club Trophy, an Open Novice event for three-year-olds over 1300m, at Sungai Besi here today.

Trainer Frank Maynard took a gamble by nominating his apprentice Aiman Nazir on Duma to take advantage of a 2-kilo claim in the RM80,000 race but it paid off.

“It was a big test my for apprentice but he stepped up and did a good job,” said Maynard.

“I am proud of my apprentice. I was a little bit worried about the young boy on a young horse but he grabbed it with two hands. He (Duma) was stronger on the line (than the runner-up Yes Man).”

Yes Man started favourite in the TBC GameFi Club Trophy after his win in a Special Maiden race two weeks ago following a second in his racing debut.

Duma won the RM50,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale Trophy (1200m) in his debut last month and was punter’s second choice.

Yes Man, ridden by Ridzuan Shafiq, went to the front on settling down and had a clear lead on the second runner Duma.

Duma raced up to Yes Man at the 200m and grabbed a narrow lead but the latter would fight back all the way to the line. Duma won by just a head, with Bold Runner another 3-1/2 lengths away third.

“A lot of people were worried his (barrier) trial last week (when he finished sixth of nine horses),” said Maynard.

“I put winkers on him (at the barrier trial) just to try to get him to relax but he just didn’t run with them on. However, he worked much better on Tuesday.

“The horse will be much better next year over longer distances, 1600m or 1800m. He can sprint and hopefully stay as he got the pedigree on his side. He’s got a very bright future. I think he’s a horse who may be a nice one for the big races next year.

“I will thinking of giving the horse a bit of spell now and bring him back (next year). I will speak to his connections about that.”

“How lucky I have been. Of all the ‘babies’ that came to Malaysia, I only got one baby. To get a good one, it’s a bonus. Hopefully I will get more this year.”

Maynard was referring to the delegation from the Selangor Turf Club (consisting of new and current owners, trainers and staff) who went to Karaka last year and bought 28 lots at the Ready To Run Sale.

Duma (NZ$45,000), Bold Runner (NZ$60,000) and several more runners in the race today came from that sale.

“When my horse raced up to Yes Man at the 200m, I knew I was going to win the race. He fought back but my horse was too good,” said Nazir who brought his tally to 29 the season and is currently fourth in the overall jockey’s table.