Mongolian Khan wins the Waikato Cup. Photo: Trish Dunell
This time it was Mongolian Marshal who gained the upper-hand as he produced a powerful burst in the home straight to out-finish the pace-making Igraine, who fought on bravely for second ahead of top-weight Five To Midnight.
Co-trainer Murray Baker believes the improved footing, with Te Rapa racing on a Dead4 surface as opposed to the Slow7 at Pukekohe, was a key component to the victory.
"The plan was to hold him up a bit so he could sprint and he sprinted well enough," he said.
"The track might have tripped him a wee bit at Pukekohe although the winner was far too good that day.
"I have to be honest in that I was wondering if he was just a 2000m horse although he did run eighth in the ATC Derby (2400m) where he came from well back.
"He's quite brilliant over a mile so it had us wondering."
Baker wouldn't be drawn on future plans for his charge who races in the colours of co-owner, the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry (NZ) Ltd, whose principal Mr Lang Lin is commonly known as "Mr Wolf".
"We will have to go home now and have a think about it but he is a quality horse," he said.
"He cost Mr Wolf a bit of money but thank goodness he is here."
The win capped off a productive period for the Baker/Forsman team who saw their lightly raced Savabeel filly Queen Of Diamonds hand out a beating to her three-year-old rivals in the Gr.3 Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1550m) at Awapuni just twenty minutes earlier.
Mongolian Marshal and Queen of Diamonds also share another common factor in that both were bred by former Cambridge Stud owners, Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan.
NZ Racing Desk
