Mahuta Leads From Start To Finish In Gothic Stakes

Lightly-raced colt Mahuta led from start to finish to record a brave win in the 2015 Gothic Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon.

Mahuta held-off Holler to take out the Gothic Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos

Mahuta held-off Holler to take out the Gothic Stakes at Caulfield this afternoon. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos

Mahuta was thrown in the deep end in the Gothic Stakes after he recorded a dominant six lengths victory in the Winning Edge Presentations Maiden (1450m) at Kyneton on October 8 and jockey Mark Zahra elected to take the Flying Spur colt to the lead in the early stages of the race.

The three-year-old looked like a sitting duck at the 250 metre mark when Godolphin-owned Holler loomed on the outside, but Mahuta was able to fight bravely to the line to take out the Gothic Stakes.

Zahra revealed after the race that his original plan was not to take up the running on Mahuta in the Gothic Stakes, but he was very pleased with the feel that he received from the promising colt and decided to let him roll along.

“I jumped quick and the feel he gave me coming around, I just didn’t want to fight it,” Zahra said.

“He was relaxed there, we sort of got away with it a bit cheap and he gave a good kick.

“He (Weir) has them hard fit and they have that will to win, which is what happened today.”

A massive group of owners were absolutely delighted when Mahuta crossed the line in the Gothic Stakes and managing co-owner Lee Saville said that all the connections were thrilled to have a winner on such a big day.

The Gothic Stakes is generally considered a key lead-up to the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day and Saville confirmed that Mahuta would head in that direction before he potentially contests the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m).

“Darren has loved him since he bought him and he is finally starting to live up to the promise,” Saville said.

“It depends on how he pulls up, but the Carbine Club and perhaps even the Sandown Guineas if he can stay up for that long.

“It is only his first prep, so we will give him plenty of time and see what happens.”

Holler produced a credible performance to finish a close second, but pre-race favourite Santa Ana Lane was settled towards the tail of the field and he was never able to get into the race.

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About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.