Mongolian Khan Wins Duel for NZ Derby
Description:
Mongolian Khan fought out the finish of the New Zealand Derby (NZ-I) with favorite Volkstok'n'barrel Feb. 28 at Ellerslie Racecourse and reached the finish line with a powerful thrust for a one-length triumph.
The victory was the fifth consecutive win for Mongolian Khan, who in his two previous starts won the Darci Brahma Waikato Guineas (NZ-II) Jan. 31 at Te Rapa Racecourse and the Essilor New Zealand Avondale Guineas (NZ-II) Feb. 24 at Ellerslie. He is owned by Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry and conditioned by Cambridge trainer Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.
Jockey Opie Bosson settled Mongolian Khan just off the pace set by Vavasour before entering contention near the turn. Volkstok'n'barrel got his head in front soon thereafter, but Mongolian Khan dug in and surged forward to secure the win.
The time for the 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) was 2:28.40 on turf rated as dead.
"To my horse's credit, he pinned his ears back and fought right to the line," said Bosson, a veteran reinsman who enjoyed his first win in the New Zealand Derby. "It's a race I've been trying to win for so long and it's quite humbling."
Giant Turtle was the early leader in the field of 17, followed by the two fillies in the field, Vavasour and Chenille, along with Mongolian Khan.
There was almost no change as the field strung out some 15 lengths before bunching and clapping on the pace as they swept around the home turn.
Mongolian Khan got his head in front, but was quickly joined by Great Northern Guineas (NZ-II) winner Volkstok'n'barrel, and the two broke away from the pack locked in a titanic battle.
Third-placed Sound Proposition finished 5 1/2 lengths behind Volkstok'n'barrel.
Mongolian Khan, a son of Holy Roman Emperor out of Centaine mare Centafit, was bred in Australia by Greenville Stud. Baker and Forsman went to $220,000 (US$183,348) to buy him on behalf of Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry at New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka ready-to-run sale in 2013. Regal Farm, agent consigned.
"My bloke is a terrific stayer and the further he goes the better," Baker said of Mongolian Khan. "He can be a little bit volatile, but he relaxes in his races.
Mongolian Khan will be aimed for the Australian Derby (Aus-I) April 4 at Royal Randwick Racecourse. Baker previously won the race with Nom du Jeu in 2008 and It's A Dundeel in 2013.