The Kevin and Pam Hughes trained Iffraaj (GB) gelding was back on his home patch after a
gallant performance for fourth in the Gr. 2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes at
Awapuni last month and certainly appreciated the familiar surroundings despite
the tricky wind that had gusted strongly throughout the meeting.Settled beautifully just off the early pace set by stablemate Super Trouper, Maybe Miami made his challenge three wide as the field turned for the long Riccarton run home. Race favourite Batman joined issue at the 300 metre mark with the pair settling down to a torrid battle. On this occasion Batman had to settle for the role of sidekick as he couldn't peg back the determined Maybe Miami who held him out by three-quarters of a length at the finish.
A victory at home base was a sweet result for co-trainer Kevin Hughes who revealed a battle with the easterly wind wasn't the only issue his charge faced during the contest.
"I've never seen the wind so bad and so strong during a meeting here," he admitted.
"They were really battling coming up the straight and to top things off Sam (Samantha Collett) dropped her whip as well.
"Our fella was pretty tough in the end and Sam was very impressed by the effort."
Hughes is keen to tackle Group One company next with the gelding who has blossomed during a lengthy campaign.
"He's been up right through the winter so he has done a remarkable job," he said.
"With the ground being pretty hard we are spacing his races but he has come on and that last start run at Awapuni showed us he can cope in the top grade.
"I'd like to have a crack at the Haunui Farm Classic at Otaki next month. We know Kawi and horses like that will be in the mix but he deserves a shot at them when he is racing so well."
Maybe Miami is the 45th stakes-winner for Iffraaj. – NZ Racing Desk
