The carnival schedule has been tweaked since Shadow Hero won the Gloaming-Spring Champion Stakes double three years ago, but Mark Newnham has still been mindful of following a similar programming template for his latest hopeful Matcha Latte.
Shadow Hero claimed the 2019 Gloaming Stakes second-up before going on to defeat Castelvecchio in the Group 1.
Matcha Latte will likewise head into Saturday’s renewal of the 1800m race at his second campaign run but given it has been four weeks since his eye-catching second in the Ming Dynasty Quality, Newnham has added a barrier trial in between.
Next stop will be the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) in two weeks with Newnham hoping Matcha Latte, who he says has a similar temperament to Shadow Hero, can replicate the feat of his former stablemate and win both races.
“Generally, patterns like that work for a reason,” Newnham said.
“Both horses have very similar demeanours. He is very relaxed and an easy horse to work with.
“Shadow Hero probably had a touch more brilliance, this horse hasn’t been able to travel in his races as well as Shadow Hero would, but once he gets to this distance now, he might travel a bit better in running.”
The form out of the Ming Dynasty has been strong, with eighth placegetter Zou Tiger and winner Golden Mile running third and fourth respectively in the Golden Rose, while fifth placed Williamsburg subsequently claimed the Dulcify Quality.
That has only fuelled Newnham’s enthusiasm that Matcha Latte can make his mark, this Saturday and beyond.
“He’s had enough work and a solid trial in between, so he’s a winning chance but with that little bit of improvement to come,” he said.
“He has always appealed as a Spring Champion Stakes type.
“He’s got the right temperament, the right pedigree, it is just about getting him there and this run will top him off for that.”
Matcha Latte was a $10 chance for the Gloaming Stakes on Thursday with New Zealander Sharp ‘N’ Smart holding sway as a $3.60 favourite despite being untested on heavy ground.
