Australian Derby First-Up Likely for Mongolian Khan

A standout performer in major events in his native New Zealand over his short racing career so-far, trainer Murray Baker has revealed classy three-year-old Mongolian Khan may not again appear at the races until lining up for the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) on Day 1 of The Championships.

Murray Baker most recently tasted Australian Derby success in 2013 with Dundeel. Photo: Steve Hart

Murray Baker most recently tasted Australian Derby success in 2013 with Dundeel. Photo: Steve Hart

Having posted an impressive six wins from his seven competitive starts so far, Mongolian Khan stamped his claims as a serious Australian Derby prospect over the weekend when charging home to comfortably take out the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) by a length.

Understandably thrilled with the results posted by the Holy Roman Emperor colt so far, Baker told TVN he is confident his recent form and proven first-up abilities at longer distances suggest Mongolian Khan will perform competitively should he contest the 2015 Australian Derby without another competitive hit-out under his belt.

“He’s a good colt; he’s only been beaten once. He’s tough,” Baker said.

“The horse that he beat (in the New Zealand Derby, Volkstok’n’barrell) goes pretty good — they pulled away from the rest by five or six lengths.

“He’s a tough bugger. He’s a really good stayer — the faster they go the better it suits him.

“He races reasonably handy; he’s just a good stayer. He’s a half-brother to Young Centaur, who won a Wellington Cup over two miles.

“Without any nonsense, he’s a lovely horse. He’s like an equine film star.

“We haven’t decided yet, but he didn’t have a run for seven weeks when he won first up over 2000.”

Taking out a minor over 1400m on debut in September, Mongolian Khan was unable to match the pace when 11th in the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m), but responded in the best way possible in taking out each of his next two starts, including the Listed Guineas Prelude (2100m) on December 14th.

Returning with a half-length victory in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) on January 31srt, the colt out of Centafit jogged in the win the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) by two lengths on February 14th, in what was his only other start prior to his New Zealand Derby triumph.

Mongolian Khan is currently rated an $8 chance for success in the 2015 Australian Derby with Ladbrokes Australia; figuring as sole occupant of the third line behind Sweynesse ($6), Kermadec and Preferment ($7 each).

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.