Miki Shan Continues Golden Island Run

NZB Standardbred graduate Miki Shan (NZ) (Always B Miki) kept his undefeated Canadian record intact on Saturday when winning the Group Three Gold Cup & Saucer Final (1609m) at the Charlottetown Driving Park on Prince Edward Island in Canada.

From barrier three the Chris MacKay-trained entire was taken back to settle off the pace for driver Corey MacPherson, who shortly found the back of Poseidon Seelster in the coveted one-one position.

Down the back straight Poseidon Seelster pressed forward to take the lead off Its Major Major (NZ) (Art Major) and MacPherson elected to continue his forward momentum and entered a duel for the lead with Poseidon Seelster.

The pair quickly opened up several lengths on the remainder of the pack and Miki Shan struck the lead turning for home and continued to hold his advantage to win by a length and snare the lion’s share of the C$100,000 purse.

MacPherson was rapt to get the victory and was full of praise for his Kiwi-bred charge.

“I just let them all settle in front of me,” he said. “I saw that Bob (McClure, driver of Poseidon Seelster) was going to get parked out and that horse has class and he carried me to where I needed to go. This horse was amazing tonight.

“He is as tough as can be. You just give him daylight and he goes. What a great animal.

“This is a thrill of a lifetime. To get to drive a horse like this is amazing, but to win a race like this is crazy.”

By Always B Miki, Miki Shan is out of Group One-winning mare Yankee Dream, and is the half-brother to Group Three performer Bettorstartdreaming.

Bred by Alabar (NZ) Ltd, Miki Shan was offered through their 2021 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft at Karaka where he was purchased by Gerald Shand for $55,000.

The son of Always B Miki subsequently entered the care of Maurice McKendry and went on to win eight of his 37 starts in his homeland, including the Group Two Franklin Cup (2700m).

Following his sale, he continued his racing career in North America where he posted two wins in the United States of America and is undefeated in seven starts in Canada to date, with his career earnings now surpassing $350,000.
 

Vendor	Alabar NZ Ltd
Purchaser	Mr GA Shand
Owner(s)	Kap Singh Racing Stable, Stephen Klunowski, Earl Hill Jr
Breeding	Always B Miki - Yankee Dream
Sale	2021 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Auckland ($55,000)