Mongolian Khan justified his status as a dominant favourite to take out the 2015 Caulfield Cup at Caulfield this afternoon.
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Fame Game has tumbled in the betting after drawing the inside gate and may even challenge New Zealand visitor Mongolian Khan for race favouritism.
Mongolian Khan has delivered New Zealand trainer Murray Baker with his first Caulfield Cup win in an outstanding staying performance in the $3 million race.
The Holy Roman Emperor became the first horse since Sky Heights in 1999 to win the Australian Derby and Caulfield Cup in the same year and he is set to start the Melbourne Cup as favourite.
“The plan is, obviously, to go for a Melbourne Cup”. We think he’s more of a Melbourne Cup horse but it’s just if they can stay the extra 800 metres.
He went into the world’s richest 2400m handicap after strong weight-for-age form.
“He’d had no setbacks and had done the mileage”.
“He’s a really good horse and he’s got the ability to win the Caulfield Cup and if the race is run to suit he’s going to get his chance”.
For the talented Bosson, who has battled with weight during his career and gave away riding for 18 months in the early 2000s, the victory was a highlight – and his third Australian Group One success.
“It’s a big thrill because we have always had a big opinion of Mongolian Khan but winning these big races in Australia is not easy”.
The Phantom finished third for Baker in 1989 while both Nom Du Jeu (2008) and Harris Tweed (2010) ran second in Caulfield Cups.
Bred by Tasmanian Graeme McCulloch, Mongolian Khan’s initial $8000 sale was followed by a $140,000 price tag at the New Zealand yearling sales.
Trevor-Jones was of course referring to three-time Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux, a 33-1 chance to finally strike gold at Flemington.
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The ATC Australian Oaks victor Gust Of Wind finished fourth with Japan’s Fame Game coming from a long way back to turn in an eye-catching Melbourne Cup trial.
