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| Staff Writer |
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Pierre Ng is banking on Mugen's calm disposition and a potentially frenetic pace to bring out the best in his charge as the gelding prepares for Sunday's Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes over 1200m at Nakayama, Japan.
The 6YO, a Group Three winner on home soil, will face a stern test against Japan's sprinting elite. Drawn in gate nine, Mugen is expected to settle midfield or further back, a position from which Ng believes his charge can unleash his trademark strong finish.
"He always has a strong finish. He runs fast closing sectional times, if the race is run at a fast tempo, then we expect him to run well for us in his races," Ng said.
The Sprinters Stakes, one of Japan's most prestigious sprint races, has a rich history of producing champions. Previous winners include the likes of Lord Kanaloa, who went on to dominate sprints globally, and Fine Motion, who captured the race twice in the early 2000s.
Ng is placing great faith in Mugen's unflappable nature to see him through the challenges of international travel and competition.
"One good thing about Mugen is that he has a very good temperament. He's travelled between Sha Tin and Conghua – he's been training to that pattern," Ng explained. "Once he arrived in Japan, I think he has settled in here very well. I've had him for a long period of time and he's never had a bad temperament or been in an environment that makes him excited."
This composure could prove crucial, especially if forecasted rain materialises. Ng remains unfazed by the prospect of a wet track, citing Mugen's previous experiences on softer going.
For Ng, who has already sent runners to South Korea and Dubai in his young career, the Sprinters Stakes represents another step towards realising his international ambitions.
Mugen's journey to this point has been noteworthy. After breaking his maiden by four lengths at The Valley in Australia for trainer Clinton McDonald, he was exported to Hong Kong in February 2023. Under Ng's tutelage, the gelding has won four of his 11 starts, including the Group Three Premier Cup Handicap over 1400m last June, where he bested California Spangle.
His most recent Group One outing saw him finish third in the Chairman's Sprint Prize behind Invincible Sage in April, a performance that likely influenced the decision to tackle this Japanese assignment.
As Mugen prepares to face off against the likes of Victor The Winner, Puro Magic, and Mama Cocha, all eyes will be on whether this Hong Kong raider can upset the local favourites. The Sprinters Stakes, worth approximately US$2.2 million, is set to jump at 4.40pm AEST at Nakayama.
In a notable side story, star Australian jockey Damian Lane will be in action, partnering race favourite Satono Reve, adding another layer of international intrigue to this already cosmopolitan contest.