A long-awaited hometown Cup for trainer Kris Lees and Australian Bloodstock as Mugatoo (IRE) carried his topweight of 59kgs to victory over defending champion Hush Writer (JPN) in Wednesday’s $200,000 Group III Sharp Electronics Newcastle Cup (2300m).
Winner of his last two starts in the Listed Winter Challenge and the Group III Premier’s Cup, both at Rosehill, Mugatoo (IRE) (Henrythenavigator) was given a peach of a ride by Kerrin McEvoy. Settled back midfield he was switched out to the centre of the track to mount his challenge and overpowered the front-running Hush Writer (JPN) (Rulership) by one and a half-lengths with a further half-length to Attention Run (GER) (Hurricane Run) who edged out Paths Of Glory (GB) (Mastercraftsman) for third.
Lees caused a mild surprise when he said he was eying off the Group 1 Epsom Hcp (1600m) at Randwick.
“It’s our hometown cup and means a lot to our staff and Australian Bloodstock, so I’m very relieved and grateful,” Lees said.
“I was a little worried on straightening when he wanted to lay in a touch but he is a really good horse with a bright future.
“I suggest he may be Epsom bound but we will see, if he gets a penalty we may have to look elsewhere.”
The 6yo gelded son of the former Coolmore shuttler Henrythenavigator (USA ) won his first three starts in Australia, including the Listed Canberra Cup having won two of his six starts in England when trained by for David Simcock.
A half-brother to Listed stakes-winner Elik (Dalakhani), Mugatoo (IRE) is one of three winners from six to race out of the Champion Older Female in Germany in 2005 (Int.), Elopa, a Group II winner and Group 1-placed daughter of another former shuttler Tiger Hill (IRE).
Elopa is a three-quarter-sister to multiple Group II winner Eye Of The Tiger and Listed winner Echoes Rock and a half-sister to Group 1 Singapore Cup winner Epalo (Lando) and stakes-winners Evening Breeze (Surumu) and Evening Storm (Acatenango).
