Mongolian Khan scored a brilliant win in the BMW Caulfield Cup (2400m). But there were so many good runs behind the kiwi star, so Justhorseracing has compiled a runner-by-runner review in finishing order from the great race:
1st- Mongolian Khan: On current form, he was the best horse in the race and Opie Bosson rode him like the best horse in the race. He took advantage of the good draw and positioned the horse behind the leading pack throughout before getting on the back of Royal Descent. That mare was going nowhere, so Bosson took off and rode the horse very confidently. Margin, IMO, flattered the opposition.
2nd- Trip To Paris: Outstanding in defeat, and a brilliant ride from Tommy Berry. Saved every inch of ground in the run before getting the splits at the top of the straight and running the winner to a half length. Won’t he take some beating at Flemington.
3rd- Our Ivanhowe: Tracked up Mongolian Khan throughout before peeling out on the turn and he looked the winner for a moment, but just peaked late. He is also spot on for Flemington and the stable have said that is his main target.
4th- Gust Of Wind: Had the 1/1 sit but looked a bit lost on the turn. Picked up and was good through the line. Another pass mark heading towards Flemington where the big track will suit her.
5th- Snow Sky: Box seat run all the way and couldn’t have been ridden better by Oliver. Just died on the run late and was paddling a touch through the line, so not sure if a Melbourne Cup will be his go. I’d say a race like the McKinnon would be perfect before heading to Hong Kong.
6th- Fame Game: I think this was the run of the Melbourne Cup winner. Unbelievable effort to come from near last on the turn, not get a clear run yet still savaged the line better than anything. If he turns up fit and healthy at Flemington, it will take a huge effort to hold him out.
7th- Who Shot Thebarman: Came very wide on the turn and was excellent through the line. Good Cup trial, but my rule is that if you’ve failed in the Cup previously, you can’t win it subsequently, so I won’t be backing, but I am sure some will.
8th- Hauraki: Hooked back to last near fence and worked home okay along the inside. He is another who could be freshened up for the McKinnon. Highly doubt he will run 3200m, but his effort was satisfactory.
9th- Lucia Valentina: Despite not being suited on the bone dry track, I thought she was solid. Finished off okay late. If there was any give in the track, she probably finishes top 5.
10th- Hokko Brave: Sat wide no cover early, then tracked up Protectionist, but when asked for the effort, he didn’t really finish off as well as expected. He was very one paced. Not sure about him as a Cup contender.
11th- Grand Marshal: Outside Trip To Paris and Fame Game, this was the best of the beaten brigade. Got held up by Royal Descent at the top of the straight, and was making good ground in the straight when he got chopped out near the line. Should have finished much closer. He is ticking over beautifully for the Cup and is my knockout hope.
12th- Volkstok’n’barrell: Forget he went around I think. Was building up momentum when he got badly held up by Royal Descent. Freshen up for the McKinnon and he will be hard to beat.
13th- Rising Romance: No excuses for mine. Given every chance in the run and presented on the turn as if she’d be a top 5 threat, but she didn’t finish it off. Bit disappointing.
14th- Magnapal: Arguably lucky to be in the field, but he won the golden ticket race. Rock hard track wasn’t his go, and obviously the class was a bit rich, but he did as well as expected.
15th- Protectionist: Travelled up well on towards the home turn, then he went backwards after that. Won’t be keeping his title from Flemington…not sure what to make of him. Maybe head back overseas?
16th- Set Square: Leading isn’t her go, but the numbers say she didn’t cop too much pressure in front. Was entitled to finish it off better IMO. More forgive than disappointing.
17th- Magicool: Only a bit of good luck saw this horse beat a runner home.
18th- Royal Descent: Not suited on the firm track, but Bossy…what’s doing sitting three wide no cover in one of the toughest 2400m handicaps in the world?
