News

Mongolian Khan To Handle Quick Back-Up: Baker

15th Oct 2015

Breeding and Racing - Friday, 16th October 2015

Trainer Murray Baker is anticipating no problems with Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor-Centafit, by Centaine) backing up in tomorrow's Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Mongolian Khan is a dominant $4.50 favourite for the $3 million feature courtesy of his unlucky run behind Criterion in last weekend's Gr1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) when he was shuffled back to last approaching the turn before storming home into third.

Baker, who trains last season's Australian and New Zealand Derby winner in partnership with fellow Kiwi Andrew Forsman, is confident he will handle the quick turnaround.

"I think he's okay on the back-up. He's a good tough colt. He seemed to bounce through it [his run in the Caulfield Stakes] so no worries there," Baker told Melbourne's Radio Sport National.

"I thought it was a good run [in the Caulfield Stakes]. He was unlucky but that's what happens in these big races...they are all good horses so it's pretty tight."

He added: "He certainly runs 2400m strongly. He's won two Derbys so I think he is going to be even better suited over Saturday's journey."

Baker was reluctant to nominate one rival in particular as Mongolian Khan's biggest danger, but indicated the Japanese pair of Fame Game and Hokko Brave would be tough to beat. "I think at that level most of them are dangers," he said.

"There are a lot of good horses but the unknown factor is the Japanese horses."

Mongolian Khan will be ridden by Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson and has drawn favourably in barrier nine.