Riding the speed set by Kilmacurragh, ATC Australian Derby hero Jon Snow took the lead coming around the home turn in Friday night's $200,000 Group III MSC Signs JRA Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley then held the challenge of Ecuador to earn a third stakes victory.
Ridden by Stephen Baster for trainer's Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, Jon Snow defeated Ecuador by three-quarters of a length with Boom Time a length back in third. (photo Grant Courtney).
Last season the son of Haunui Farm shuttler Iffraaj (GB) was third behind Gingernuts in the Group I NZ Derby before crossing the Tasman to earn
A week later he added the Group I Australian Derby at Randwick
His overall record advances to 4 wins, 1 second and 4 thirds from 12 starts with earnings of $$1,744,307.
Every time I have seen him at the track he's just improved in his looks and fitness," Baster said.
"Obviously he needed a trip and he got it tonight and he showed how good he is.
Murray Baker said the Caulfield Cup is the classic winner's goal this spring.
"It's very pleasing, we thought he would go a bit better tonight", Baker said.
"He needed the ground, it was probably a bit short for him the last two but he has improved a lot in the last couple of weeks.
"A bit weaker company certainly helped him. I thought he might have needed one more run but he was obviously fit enough.
"We hope to get in the Caulfield Cup and where we go next, the Herbert Power or maybe the Caulfield Stakes.
"He's a good stayer and was well ridden today by Stephen Baster."
Consigned to the 2015 NZ Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale by Haunui Farm, Jon Snow was knocked down to Andrew Forsman for $65,000.
He is the first foal of the winning O'Reilly mare Orinda a half-sister to Chris Waller's iron horse Mr Ubiquitous (Tale Of The Cat) a 4-time stakes winner out of the Zabeel mare Zahra a three-quarter sister to Group I Sydney Cup winner Gallic half-sister to Group III Stan Fox Stakes winner Greig and Listed winner Lady Solvil the dam of dual Listed stakes winner Lady Of The Desert.
The third dam of Jon Snow is the triple Group I winner Solveig (Imposing).
