Almandin showed he is on course to defend his Melbourne Cup crown with a ridiculously easy win in Saturday's Listed Japan Racing Association Trophy (2500m) at Flemington.
Even allowing for the saloon passage along the rails around the home turn afforded by weakening stablemate Granddukeoftuscany, Almandin could not have been more impressive.
Cantering through to open a five length advantage with Damien Oliver looking over his shoulder for non-existent challengers, Almandin ($5) was being eased towards the finish to defeat Crocodile Rock ($3.60 fav) by 2 3/4-lengths with Aloft ($7.50 - $10) a short neck away third to give trainer Robert Hickmott the trifecta.
Oliver rode Almandin in his lead up races to last year's Melbourne Cup but was unable to take the ride in the 3200m handicap due to the weight.
Oliver will have no such problems this year after Almandin was allocated 56.5kg in the 2017 Melbourne Cup and said the eight-year-old was travelling supremely well a long way from home.
"That was extraordinary - it's a long time since I've ridden a stayer with my feet on the dashboard so far from home," Oliver said.
"He's certainly come back better than ever. He's carried a lot of weight today (61kg) and it was not a bad field.
"It's great to see how he's come back and let's hope it all goes well from here - he's heading the right way and certainly in the right stable.
"Lets keep our fingers crossed he can just get there in one piece on the big day."
WOW! Last year's #EmiratesMelbourneCup winner absolutely bolts in to win the Japan Racing Association Trophy! 👏 pic.twitter.com/en3lY4z40E
— Racing.com (@Racing) September 16, 2017
