Mongolian Khan On Track For New Zealand Derby
2 February 2015
Talented three-year-old Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor) continued his winning streak in the $100,000 Group 2 Darci Brahma Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
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Mongolian Khan triumphant in the |
Trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Mongolian Khan has now won four of his five starts, making this his second stakes win. His first stakes win came last start in the Listed Jesters Pies 3YO Salver at Ellerslie.
“I thought he could have been a bit vulnerable,” commented co-trainer Murray Baker. “But it was his class that got him through.
“He will take away a lot of improvement from this run before heading into the Avondale Guineas and then into the Derby.”
Starting from barrier 2, Mongolian Khan was one of the first away in the 2000m race, travelling close to pacemaker Giant Turtle (NZ) (Zabeel). He had an economical run with jockey Opie Bosson as the pair sat in the first three throughout the duration of the race.
The son of Holy Roman Emperor challenged the front runner, Giant Turtle, as he powered for home in the final 150m to claim victory by a half-a-length over Giant Turtle in second. Prima (NZ) (Sir Percy) finished in third position, making it a Karaka trifecta.
Mongolian Khan has now earned $115,500 in prizemoney for his owners of the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry (NZ).
The three-year-old colt was purchased at the 2013 Select Sale for $140,000 by Waikato Bloodstock from Ainsley Downs Stud. He then returned to the 2013 Ready to Run Sale and was purchased by the China Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Group for $220,000 from Regal Farm.
Bred by Grenville Stud, Mongolian Khan is out of unraced Centafit (Centaine) who is a full-sister to stakes winner Centalong – Super Fit (H.K.), winner of the HK-1 Hong Kong Derby. He is also a half-brother to Group 1 winner Young Centaur (Jeune), winner of the Group 1 Wellington Cup.