Miki Shan Speeds to Biggest Win in Franklin Cup

A brilliant beginning set up a career-best victory for Miki Shan (NZ) (Always B Miki) in the $54,000 Group Two Lincoln Farms Franklin Cup (2700m) at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

The NZB Standardbred graduate speared along the inner in a professional winning display for trainer-driver Maurice McKendry.

Miki Shan came into the feature event following a string of consistent performances in strong company, with little luck coming his way along the way.

But on Friday night, the NZB Standardbred graduate made his own luck by making a brilliant beginning before McKendry settled him into a sweet trip in the trail.

And Miki Shan didn’t waste his winning opportunity.

“He has been going alright without a lot of luck lately, things went right today and he went good,” McKendry said.

Friday night’s victory boosts Miki Shan’s hopes ahead of the upcoming Group One Auckland Cup (3200m) on December 31.

The pacer is set for a clash with fellow NZB Standardbred graduates Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) and Don’t Stop Dreaming (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) in the feature event.

Miki Shan was secured for $55,000 by owner Gerald Shand when the pacer was offered among the Alabar draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

Shand races the Group Two winning blueblood with Jackie Rogers.

Alabar will offer a full brother to Miki Shan at the upcoming National Yearling Sale at Auckland on February 15, 2025.

Lot 75 is by Always B Miki (USA) from the Group One winning mare Yankee Dream (NZ) (Dream Away).

Alabar enjoyed a huge night at Alexandra Park as they prepare another outstanding draft for the 2025 National Yearling Sale at Auckland.

Alabar offered the winner of the $100,000 Group One Queen Of Diamonds (2700m) One More Moment (NZ) (Majestic Son) for sale as a weanling in 2018, before the establishment of NZB Standardbred.