The favourite Mongolian Khan claimed victory in the 2015 Caulfield Cup, ahead of fast-finishing Trip to Paris and Our Ivanhoe.
Set Square led for much of the race, but Mongolian Khan pulled ahead with of the pack with about 500m to run.
It looked as it the run could have come too early, but Mongolian Khan retained its lead down the final stretch to win the race from Trip to Paris in second and Our Ivanhowe in third.
A strong run from the Kiwi horse, with plenty to be pleased about for Trip to Paris, who brought a late challenge.
Final Placing
1. Mongolian Khan
2. Trip to Paris
3. Our Ivanhoe
All eyes will turn to Caulfield this Saturday, for the running of the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Join The Roar for commentary and the latest news heading towards the race start time of 5:40pm AEDT.
Run and won over the classic 2400m, or mile and a half, this race is a perfect curtain raiser for next month’s Melbourne Cup.
Punters will get a great indication of who is in form as the ‘race that stops the nation’ draws closer.
Mongolian Khan for New Zealand trainer Murray Baker is the current $5.10 pre-race favourite.
This son of Holy Roman Emperor and Centafit finished third to Criterion last Saturday over 2000m at Caulfield and hasn’t been beaten in two starts over this distance.
Set Square has also been well supported by punters, coming into $8.50. She found the line strongly when finishing third in the Group 1 Turnbull at Flemington two weeks ago and watch for her to make a dash to the line in the latter stages.
Astute jockey Damien Oliver is aboard Great Britain hopeful Snow Sky, who’s having his first start since finishing sixth at Ascot back in July. The Sir Michael Stoute trained stayer thrives on these distances, having won four from nine starts over 2400m plus. Snow Sky is currently $8.40 to win.
Japanese runner Fame Game comes into this race on the back of a lengthy five-month spell, after wining the Group 3 Diamond Stakes at Tokyo over 3400m and finishing second in the Group One Tenno Sho at Kyoto over 3200m. After all reports of settling well in Australia, punters can get $13.10 for the win.
The race was first run in 1879 and since then eleven winners have gone on to win the Melbourne Cup in the same year, with the most recent being Ethereal in 2001.
Join The Roar for a live blog of the race, schedule to begin at 5:40pm AEDT.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Poor Greg - hope all was ok.
Razzar
Guest
If Mongolian khan gets less than a 2 kg penalty I'll be very surprised. After a great run in the Caufield Stakes, the handicapper can jump on the khan after a cup win, that was, somewhat piched in. Maybe 2.5kgs?
Jason Cave
Guest
From a Melbourne Cup viewpoint, Fame Game and Mongolian Khan had very good Cup runs today. Will be interesting to see what penalty Mongolian Khan will get from winning the Caulfield Cup by Racing Victoria chief handicapper Greg Carpenter. The question is, could they-Mongolian Khan and Fame Game-run 3200m at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November? -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Razzar
Guest
The stewards have put a line in the sand for Fame game's .connections to use those tactics again in melb Cup "riding for luck between runners" . Zac's ride looked as lacking a proactive approach as he was sticking to fence for so long. He stormed home, could have finished a lot closer.
Sammy
Guest
Did anyone think Greg miles really struggled with the call !? He kept saying magnolian khan and failed to call half the field !? The final 1000m was appaling. Im a fan but something was wrong or he was definitely off today
Kevin dustby
Guest
At least give him a chance, didn't even ride him until the 200m, they treated the race as a trial with no intention of winning using the excuse to cover up their intentions
Paul roberts
Guest
Get in Trip To Paris............ 2nd place what a run!
Adam Page
Roar Guru
With respect Kevin, Zac did state openly pre race that the horse wouldn't be suited, and he was right. I'll take whatever price for Fame Game. If he turns up fit and healthy on Cup Day, he'll be winning.
Dimity Maher
Roar Rookie
The winner Mongolian Khan returned $5.00 with bet365, Trip to Paris and Our Ivanhowe paid $8.60 and $7.20 respectively for the placings. The winner notched up his 8th career win today from start number 13 and also recorded his 1st victory at Caufield.
Kevin dustby
Guest
Seriously that ride by zac Parton was the worst ride ever. Treated a 3 million dollars ace as a barrier trial, never gave it a chance
Dimity Maher
Roar Rookie
Mongolian Khan wins the Caufield Cup! A terrific effort from Trip to Paris to finish runner up and Our Ivanhowe wound up third. A beautiful ride by Opie Bosson on the favourite. Let him go beautifully at the 500 and was far too strong.
Dimity Maher
Roar Rookie
Riders are starting to find there positions, 500 to go. Mongolian Khan has hit the front.
Dimity Maher
Roar Rookie
Set Square has took the lead heading around the first turn, with Magnapal, Snow Sky and Royal Descent rounding out the first four
Dimity Maher
Roar Rookie
Mongolian Khan has come into $4.60 and is well-supported by punters and experts who put the number 6 runner on top. Late support also for Snow Sky with Damien Oliver on board, coming into $8.20. There being loaded away and are due to start on time.
Dimity Maher
Roar Rookie
With 17 minutes until start time, punters are right behind Mongolian Khan, who's come into $5.75 with bet365. Set Square ($9.50), Hauraki ($9.00) and Snow Sky ($9.50) are the only other runners under double figures.