Another Powerful Cup Victory for Dragon Storm (NZ)

A Karaka graduate with staying power on both sides of his bloodlines has shone brightly in another two-mile feature, outstaying his opposition in the A$160,000 Listed Sandown Cup (3200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Bought for $55,000 at the 2016 Premier Sale and $150,000 at the Ready to Run Sale, Dragon Storm (NZ) (Shocking) first rose to prominence with a victory in the $250,000 Group Three New Zealand Cup (3200m) last November. He has now had 29 starts in his career for six wins, four placings and more than $320,000 in stakes.

His sire Shocking, who stands at Rich Hill Stud, won the Melbourne Cup (3200m) in 2009. Dragon Storm’s dam is Prize Lady (NZ) (Prized), who scored back-to-back Auckland Cup (3200m) triumphs in 2007 and 2008.

Dragon Storm had struggled to find his best form in his first three Australian starts after joining the Melbourne stable of Mike Moroney this spring, but the step up to 3200 metres on Saturday turned everything around.

Patiently ridden by Blaike McDougall, the seven-year-old powered home from last in the nine-horse field to score by a short half-head.

“He’s proven at the trip obviously in New Zealand,” McDougall said. “I was given an open book by Mike, which is great, and I put him to sleep off a very moderate tempo.

“I nearly left my run a bit too late. I did have every intention to follow True Marvel (Masked Marvel) and make a sustained run from the half-mile, but I changed my mind and decided to ride a bit of a race on him. We got there on the line.”

Moroney suggested the A$200,000 Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington on New Year’s Day could now be a target.

“I saw him going easily but not getting any luck at all, and then when he switched to the outer, it was a good effort really,” Moroney said.

“If he didn’t do anything today, the owners were going to take him back to New Zealand. But on that, they may stay here now and have a crack at something like the Bagot.”