Co-trainer Ben Hayes is hoping European import Makram (IRE) can measure up to a Caulfield Cup after the son of Make Believe opened his Australian account in The Les Carlyon Hcp (1700m) at Flemington on Anzac Day.
With the in-form Jye McNeil in the saddle, Makram (IRE) defeated Flash Aah (Lucas Cranach) by a length with Don't Doubt Dory (Fiorente) a neck back in third.
It was the second start in Australia for the former Roger Charlton trained gelding after a pipe opener over 1400m at Caulfield on April 9.
The 5yo gelding was a most consistent performer winning four and runner-up in four of his 11 starts before being sent by Barton Sales on behalf of Charlton's Beckhampton House stables to the 2021 Autumn Horses In Training Sale.
Blandford Bloodstock / Lindsay Park had the final say at 340,000gns, the fifth most expensive lot of the sale.
Makram is a son of the Sinndar mare Spontaneous a sister to Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Youmzain (IRE), and a half-sister to Group 1 Lockhinge stakes winner Creachadoir (King's Best) and Group III winner Shreyas (Dalakhani).
