Okita Soushi has managed to outstay his rivals in convincing fashion when claiming Friday night’s Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m).
On the back of a determined effort last time out in the Herbert Power Stakes (2400m), the former European managed to break his Australian maiden, and in doing so inserted himself in to Melbourne Cup calculations.
The son of Galileo finished 11th in last year’s Melbourne Cup (3200m) and a second crack at the great race is firmly on the agenda following his half-length victory over Serpentine and Sharp ‘N’ Smart a further two-lengths back in third.
WATCH: ALL MOONEE VALLEY GOLD CUP NIGHT RACE REPLAYS
It wa sa stop start affair as let-start Bart Cummings winner Just Fine looked to control proceedings, but having had to work to find the lead, the early work tolled, and the race was set up for those with fitness on their side.
Enter Billy Egan and Okita Soushi.
Having sat one off the rails just behind the lead, Okita Soushi hit the lead on the home term and did well to hold off the fast-finishing Serpentine.
Brayden Star was cruelly held up for a run at a crucial point and was obliged to finish closer to the winner than his 2.6-length defeat suggests, however, it was all honours the winner.
2024 Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup Replay
When asked if Okita Soushi would go on to the first Tuesday in November, Ciaron Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull was quick to confirm the idea.
“100%. It’s always been the long-term plan when he came to us off the back of his last campaign in spring,” Turnbull said when asked about the Melbourne Cup.
“It’s really good and pleasing when things work out in terms of timing. It’s all working out. It’s fantastic.
“We thought he was going really good into that last run. He’s just a classic stayer that wants twelve furlongs.
“Once you get him to that level, and at a level of fitness, he excels.”
Following the win, horse racing bookmakers have tightened Okita Soushi into a $26 chance for the Melbourne Cup, with some bookies offering as much as $81 before Friday night’s triumph.
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