Former Hong Kong galloper Joyful Fortune is set to renew acquaintances with the Flemington straight in his first run for the Ciaron Maher stable.
Joyful Fortune was unbeaten in two starts on the Flemington straight when prepared by Sydney conditioner Mark Newnham.
With Newnham now based in Hong Kong, Joyful Fortune will have his first start for Maher in the Listed Straight Six (1200m) on Saturday.
Joyful Kingdom won at his first start for Newnham over 1100m in September 2022 and two starts later claimed the Listed Century Stakes (1000m).
In between those outings, Joyful Fortune finished tenth behind Giga Kick in the 2022 Everest.
Joyful Fortune missed all of 2023, ruled out with a knee complaint which ultimately restricted his career in Hong Kong.
Jack Turnbull, an assistant trainer for Maher based at Cranbourne, said Joyful Fortune had been prepared for Saturday’s outing in NSW.
“He’s had a funny old history and career,” Turnbull said.
“He’s done a lot of his work up at Bob’s Beach up at Newcastle with James Harding.
“I haven’t laid eyes on him just yet, but he’s had a nice grounding and goes well down the straight.
“His fitness levels are good, so I don’t think we’ll be using that as an excuse.”
Joyful Fortune will be joined in Saturday’s race by Pintoff who has had one start for the stable having won twice for Carly Cook, in two starts, after starting his career with Richard Cully.
Pintoff is allergic to hay and pollens and spends his time in a paddock at Maher’s Fingal property on the Mornington Peninsula.
“He trains out of Fingal, so salt air and no shavings and being beachside, there’s less allergies and his appetite has been great,” Turnbull said.
“He’s in a paddock with a couple of others and it’s very different to the new stable set-up.”
Pintoff ran fifth at his first run for Maher in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington last month, a run Turnbull said was a little disappointing.
“The track that day was rain affected but wasn’t consistent and he was dipping and diving and never really travelled,” Turnbull said.
“He’s had a bit of time in between, two good bits of work and we’re happy with him.
“There’s no reason why he can’t run well back on a premier track like Flemington.”
