Mbube's straight-course practice at Flemington
Mbube is well-prepared for the Flemington straight, having had ample practice ahead of his run in the Danehill Stakes.
Trainer Lloyd Kennewell capitalised on the opportunity when the Flemington straight was opened for outside horses participating in Saturday's Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m).
The Danehill Stakes represents a significant lead-in to the prestigious Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31, a race renowned for its ability to launch stallions.
Following his inaugural win at Sandown in June, Kennewell had his sights firmly set on the Coolmore Stud Stakes for Mbube.
Mbube returned from a break after his Sandown victory to secure second place behind Paradoxium in the Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on September 12.
Subsequent to that race, Kennewell took Mbube back to Flemington for an 800-metre trial last Thursday.
Although Mbube finished last, the finishing position was secondary to Kennewell's objective of giving the colt more exposure to the track.
"He just poked around, just for fitness and to give him another look," Kennewell explained.
"It was good for the mind, body and soul."
"He did enough. He ran last but on his sectional data he was still running crazy sectionals."
"I'm glad he wasn't upfront. They were going very quick in that trial."
Kennewell expressed his contentment with Mbube's performance, despite the colt being beaten first-up at Flemington three weeks ago.
More importantly, the trainer has noted a marked improvement in the colt's physical condition.
"He needed it and probably just peaked late, and he bumped into a hard fit Sydney horse, that is obviously a good horse," Kennewell commented.
"He has come on fitness wise very nicely and taking him out there last week was good and on Tuesday he had a nice little gallop, in hand, and he's ready to go."
Billy Egan, who partnered Mbube to victory on debut, will be back in the saddle on Saturday, with Mark Zahra having ridden the colt in the Poseidon Stakes.
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