European import Homesman and stablemate Almandin could face off again in the Australian Cup after running the quinella in the Listed $120,000 Ladbrokes Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) at Caulfield today.
Homesman, above with blue cap, beats stablemate Almandin, white cap, in the Mornington Cup Prelude at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Homesman ($7.50) was having his first run in Australian for the Lloyd Williams Team and his short half head win over Melbourne Cup winner Almandin ($4.60) prompted part owner Nick Williams to suggests a start in the Group 1 $1.5m Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 10 would have to be considered.
Winning jockey Ben Melham had Homesman in the firing line from the outset and challenged for the lead on the home turn.
Damien Oliver had settled Almandin in the middle of the pack and started his move at the 700m and looked the likely winner when he moved up outside of his stablemate at the 300m.
But under the 60kg Almandin was unable to get past Homesman who only had 56.5kg on his back while Golden Mane ($10) was two lengths away in third spot.
“Both the jockeys gave then great rides,” Nick Williams said.
“The horses went particularly well. I thought first up. Almandon’s condition and the weight probably told on him a little in the end and Homesman was able to kick back and just nose him out on the line.”
“That being Homesman first run here, it is very exciting.”
“We might have to think where he goes next. He might have to join Almandin in the Australian Cup.”
“We will wait and see. We think they both have plenty of improvement in them so today is a great kick off for them.”
The post Australian Cup possible for Homesman after Mornington Cup Prelude Win appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au.