Munhamek ‘flying’ in bid for back-to-back Winter Championship Final wins

Trainer Nick Ryan is anticipating another strong performance from last year’s winner Munhamek in the Winter Championship Final despite a tougher field.

Jamie Mott sends Munhamek to the line in last year’s Winter Championship Final at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

Reigning Winter Championship Series Final winner Munhamek has given Flemington trainer Nick Ryan every indication of another peak performance on Saturday.

The nine-year-old iron horse, one of 15 acceptors for the Listed 1600m feature, has worked impressively in the build-up.

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“This year’s race may look a little bit stronger than last year but he’s getting in with 4kg less, I think he carried 60.5kg last year and he gets in with 56.5kg,” Ryan said.

“His work at home suggests he’s going as good as ever, he’s drawn a really good barrier to get a good run … the horse is flying.”

The winter final has attracted a strong field including last-start winners Oh Too Good, Jimmy The Bear, Yellow Sam, Hughes and Cafe Millenium.

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Munhamek, a 13-time winner from 73 starts, has raced consistently the past 12 months without ultimate success.

“He’s a trainer’s dream really,” Ryan said.

“He’s nine, you wouldn’t know it watching him work or watching him get around the stables.

“He obviously gave us a big buzz in Perth with Ollie’s (Damien Oliver) last ride and put his hand up every year and won a few races in town, country cup.

“Every stable would love a couple (Munhameks) in their yard.”

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Munhamek finished eighth behind Winter Championship contender Hughes last start at Sandown.

“He just needed the run the other day, that run has really brought him on and his work on Tuesday was exceptional,” Ryan said.

“I knew how much improvement was there (from last start) and he’s certainly improved a lot since then.”

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Ryan has trained a personal best 45 winners to date this season.

The Flemington trainer has ambitions to build on the tally before the end of the month and then turn attention to spring with the likes of Highvol, Red Aces and Haaracaine.

Ryan has Caulfield Guineas ambitions for unbeaten Highvol, while Red Aces and Haaracaine could be aimed at the Cups.

Group 2 winner Red Aces was gelded after a lacklustre autumn campaign.

“He’s had the ultimate gear change … we probably should’ve gelded him (last spring), he’s been gelded now, so look for him in the staying races.”

Originally published as Munhamek ‘flying’ in bid for back-to-back Winter Championship Final wins