3 minute read

A lucky pick-up ride landed Jose De Souza the main race on The Mareeba Mango and his third win of the afternoon at Sungai Besi here today.

Jose replaced his brother Laercio in the Prosperous New Year Stakes (Metro A – 1200m) and had to be at his very best to score on the Snitzel gelding on whom he is riding for the first time.

Jose settled THE MAREEBA MAN in fourth spot behind a very fast pace set by TITAN PEGASUS who made a big break soon after the start.

The Mareeba Mango  moved up to second making the turn into the straight with the leader several lengths clear at this stage.

But TITAN PEGASUS began to come under pressure at the 300m and THE MAREEBA MANGO quickly closed the gap and drew level at the 200m.

THE MAREEBA MANGO raced past the leader shortly after and looked like he was going to draw away. WAR DRAGON, however, came charging home but THE MAREEBA MANGO just managed to hold on to win by a short head.

"When Laercio was indisposed and my other jockey Ruzaini (Supien) was committed to GREATHAM GIRL I was a bit worried jockey wise," said trainer Richard Lines.

"But was very happy when I saw that Jose (De Souza) didn't have a ride in the race. As usual he did a great job and I think the horse deserve a chance in the big race (Tunku Gold Cup) next month."

"A genuine pace was set (by TITAN PEGASUS) and I sat fourth behind the leader," said De Souza.

"It was a hard race and the horse gave his all. A genuine type. He laid in under pressure but was lucky to hang on for a short head.

"A happy day as it was a pick-up ride and I am glad all went well for the connections."

Earlier in the afternoon, De Souza was successful on HOLY ELEANOR and newcomer ANTOPODEAN, both trained by Simon Dunderdale.

Placed once in three starts in Australia, THE MAREEBA MANGO is obviously very talented but has encountered many setbacks in his career in Singapore and Malaysia, racing just 11 times for six wins and two placings since August 2020.