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| Staff Writer |
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In a recent statement, Michael Costa has painted a promising picture for Ma Yetal, the runaway debutant winner who won a 1200m Conditions event by a significant margin of 13-and-three-quarter lengths. Costa, who bought the son of Flameaway at the Keeneland Sales last year, has hinted that there is much more to come from the talented colt in the New Year. Notably, Ma Yetal's impressive time was comfortably faster than the 3YO maiden and older horse handicap, which was run over the same distance.
Ma Yetal's comprehensive victory, which resulted in an impressive official rating of 103, established Costa's juvenile as one of the most intelligent contenders of the season. Although the Australian handler was surprised by the win's dominance, it was evident that the horse had performed exceptionally well, “He’s a horse that has taken a little bit longer to get to the races and he wasn’t completely wound up for his debut,” said Costa. “With that in mind, we were a little bit surprised by the margin (of victory) – albeit we knew he had ability - considering the work he has still got to go and get under his belt.
“We just threw him in the Jebel race as we have a race in mind for him on January 5 at Meydan and he exceeded expectations, so he looks an exciting prospect moving forward if the handicapper has rated him successfully!” Costa continued: “We have big goals for young horses, and we also have plan ‘Bs’, ‘Cs’ and ‘Ds’, but he’s won well and pulled up well so he will go to Meydan on the January 5 for his prep and then onto the Guineas after that. I think he’s probably a sprinter-miler so I’m not sure he’ll stretch past that, but we’ll take each race as it comes with him.”
Reflecting on a recent Jebel Ali four-timer and a sparkling start to the new campaign, Costa added, “It’s been a good start to the season and it’s just great to see that the hard work of the staff over the summer has really paid off and we are keeping the momentum going. “The horses are a mirror of their environment so if we have a positive team that is reflecting onto the horses and onto the results themselves.” Rider Ben Coen has certainly been a major part of that success story, as Costa explained to Middle East Racing. “Ben is just so strong and there have been some rides there where the rider has definitely won the race and lifted them home. We are very excited about the association we have with Ben going forward,” he added.