Racing: Emphatic open-class debut

Mongolian Marshal races at Ellerslie. Photo / Trish Dunell

Not content with taking out the feature event on the day at Ellerslie with Saint Emilion in the Gr.3 OMF Stakes (2000m), the Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman team were at it again just two races later with progressive galloper Mongolian Marshal.

The High Chaparral gelding was having his first start in open-grade company yesterday when he delivered in fine style to take out the Carbine Club Trophy (1600m).

Handled to perfection by regular pilot Matt Cameron, Mongolian Marshal dashed away from his rivals with a powerful home straight sprint after travelling easily in midfield throughout the contest.

Considered a talented staying prospect by his handlers during a three-year-old season that saw him finish mid-field in the GR.1 ATC Derby (2400m) in April, Mongolian Marshal has returned in fine fashion with two wins from his first 3 starts as a four-year-old.

"He's a lightly tried type with a fair bit of promise," co-trainer Andrew Forsman said.

"He could be a Cups horse later in the season so we will probably look for a 2000m race for him in the next couple of weeks and then reassess where we go from there."

Forsman was also delighted with the performance of last start Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) winner Deals In Heels who lumped the topweight of 60kgs into third in the contest.

"She was very brave as that was a lot of weight she had to carry," he said.

- NZ Racing Desk