Imported stayer Ashrun has won his way into Tuesday’s $8m Melbourne Cup after scoring an impressive win in the Lexus Hotham Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.
Ashrun despite a notable drift was too good for his rivals running down the gallant Sound on the line to secure a spot in the 2020 Melbourne Cup where he will will drop 8kg and carry 53kg in the race after handicapper Greg Carpenter did not penalise the horse for his win.
The imported Australian Bloodstock galloper sat back in a slow tempo and had to sprint with 61kg to win his way into Melbourne Cup and the TAB thinks he is a big chance shortening his price from $51 into $17.
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“I was a bit worried on the way around (in the run). He didn’t jump well and didn’t have the position that we wanted to have, and then they slowed it up.
“Kerrin (McEvoy) said that he came into contention really well and he just kept on going.” Trainer Andreas Wohler said.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy who is booked to ride Melbourne Cup favourite Tiger Moth was quick to praise Ashrun on his win.
“I was worried. We wanted to try and make use of the draw but he came out like a typical northern hemisphere horse as they sometimes do and I was last on the rail. I didn’t get much of a gallop but the horse has done a great job with that big weight and pick up quickly and get into contention. I’m pleased to get the win for Andreas. He’s done two weeks in quarantine but he’s got a Cup runner now and good luck to him.”
Asked about his chances in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup, McEvoy says the horse should not be taken lightly.
“He’s a good stayer. Good in the wind. He didn’t have a lot of favours in the run. You can’t be taking him lightly on Tuesday. He’ll stay the trip and has a bit of class about him.”
