The Andreas Wohler-trained Ashrun (FR) earned a place in the field for Tuesday's Melbourne Cup with a last stride win in the Group II Lexus Hotham Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Carrying the colours of Australian Bloodstock, the son of Epsom Derby winner Authorized edged out Sound (GER) (Lando) by a short-head with Brimham Rocks (GB) (Fastnet Rock) a length back in third.
Group 1 placed in Europe, Ashrun (FR) arrived in Australia off a second in the Group II Prix Kergorlay. He was a close-up fourth behind Steel Prince (IRE) in the group III Geelong Cup on October 21.
He drops from 61 kgs to 53kgs in the Melbourne Cup, and handicapper Greg Carpenter said he would not be giving him a penalty.
"We are so happy because we were always aiming at the Cup but had our troubles getting into it," Wohler said.
“I was a bit worried on the way around because he did not jump well and have the position we wanted him to have, but Kerrin got him into contention quickly, and he just kept going.”
A half-brother to the German Group II winner Ashiana (Mastercraftsman), Ashrun is one of three winners from six to race out of the Group III winning Areion mare Ashantee.
