Derby Ambitions for Mongolian Khan

A dominant victory by Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor) in the Listed $50,000 Jesters Pies 3YO Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie on Sunday has propelled him into Derby contention.

Mongolian Khan (NZ) wins the Listed Jesters Pies 3YO Salver. Photo courtesy of Kenton Wright.

Jockey Craig Grylls rode the three-year-old comfortably, leading all the way in his first try at a middle distance for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

“We thought he would be hard to beat,” says Murray Baker. “He is a nice horse with a good record.

“Craig (Grylls) has had three rides for three wins on him, he thinks he is a promising horse.”

Leading a small field of six, Mongolian Khan was the first away and set the pace throughout the trip. The field sprinted for home but the son of Holy Roman Emperor was too strong as he bounded ahead to win by 1.5 lengths.

It was quinella for Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman’s stable as their second runner Ezra (NZ) (Iffraaj) claimed second place. Third place went to Midmitemagicman (NZ) (Tavistock) making Ellerslie’s feature race a Karaka trifecta.

“He will have a short break now and we will bring him back for the races in summer. Will be looking to get him to the Derby,” comments Baker.

The lightly raced three-year-old colt has earned $53,000 to date for owner the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry Co Ltd.

Mongolian Khan was purchased by Mr Lang’s China Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Group for $220,000 at the 2013 Ready to Run Sale from Regal Farm. He was originally purchased by Bryce and Ginger Tankard’s Waikato Bloodstock for $140,000 in the 2013 Select Yearling Sale at Karaka from Ainsley Downs Stud.

Among the first purchases by Mr Lang, Mongolian Khan is the first stakes winner owned by the Group. Mr Lang was back at Karaka for the 2014 Ready to Run Sale, purchasing 20 horses.

Bred by Grenville Stud, Mongolian Khan is out of unraced mare Centafit (Centaine), a half-sister to HK-1 Hong Kong Derby winner Super Fit (Centaine). He is a half-brother to Young Centaur (Jeune), winner of the Group 1 Wellington Cup.