Another Stakes Win For Maybe Miami (NZ)

Maybe Miami (NZ) (Iffraaj), a two-time visitor to the Karaka Sales Centre, scored the second stakes win of his career in Saturday’s $50,000 Listed Café Cuba Flying Handicap (1400m) at Awapuni.

The son of Iffraaj sold for $31,000 at the 2013 Select Sale and $20,000 at the Ready to Run Sale later that year. Saturday’s victory boosted his career prize-money to $172,760.

Already the winner of seven races including the Listed Timaru Stakes, Maybe Miami went into Saturday’s place on the back of unplaced performances in his last two starts – including an unlucky fifth in the Group 1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m).

With the topweight of 60 kilograms on his back on Saturday, Maybe Miami tracked the early leader before taking control in the straight and digging deep when challenged to win by a length and a half.

“That was great,” co-trainer Kevin Hughes said. “I’m thrilled for Barry Thomas (owner), who does so much for racing in the South Island. This horse has had a couple of disappointing trips, but this win is icing on the cake.

“He’s a horse who loves to have something come up alongside him and get into a dogfight. He kicked on really well for a great win.”

Maybe Miami was bred by Berkley Stud’s Alan Jones and Edwina Morris, who offered him at the Select Sale. He was a member of Regal Farm’s draft at the Ready to Run Sale, where he sold to Barry Thomas.