Trainer Murray Baker has been thrilled with the condition of Mongolian Khan since his first-up run this time and is confident the multiple Group 1 winner is primed for a big performance in Saturday’s 2016 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Murray Baker is thrilled with Mongolian Khan ahead of Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos
Capping an impressive 2015 campaign with success in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), Mongolian Khan continued to firm noticeably in the hours leading up to the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) first-up on February 27th, but failed to produce anything of a final straight sprint and finished a forgettable eleventh.
Confident Mongolian Khan has returned to full health, Baker told Racing Ahead is believes the return of regular rider Opie Bosson to the saddle in the 2016 Ranvet Stakes will also count for a lot.
“I haven’t really heard much about it but the horse seems to be very fit and we’ve had a heart monitor on him,” Baker said.
“He’s got extraordinary recovery so we’re happy with where he is, he’s done plenty of work and a trial here at Warwick Farm the other day.
“He looks good to me and he’s certainly tightened-up.
“I think if he doesn’t run a good race tomorrow we worry. He’d obviously be missing something because he seems very healthy to us.
“He’ll have his normal rider on and he said he’s going as good as ever.”
A strong and consistent performer for Baker since first appearing on course competitively in 2014, Mongolian Khan has posted a commendable eight wins and one minor through only fourteen career starts.
Capping a standout debut preparation in his native New Zealand with success in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), the Holy Roman Emperor gelding crossed the ditch for fifth in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) before taking out the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) on Day 1 of The Championships.
Resuming in spring for seventh in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), Mongolian Khan progressed to fourth in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and third in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) leading into his Caulfield Cup triumph.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best Ranvet Stakes odds, for which Mongolian Khan can be taken at a quote of $10 for success.
