The talented but injury-plagued Bauer showed he retains plenty of ability when staying on to claim the Betfred Bundles Old Borough Cup at Haydock.
Photo by Bronwen Healy
The Luca Cumani-trained 16-1 shot got to within a nose of winning the Melbourne Cup in 2008 but has only seen the racecourse three times since then, most recently finishing down the field on his seasonal reappearance at this track.
There were plenty still in with a chance heading towards the final furlong, with 13-2 favourite Zuider Zee in contention, but it was Bauer who finished off his race best in the hands of Neil Callan to score by a length and a quarter from Nehaam. Zuider Zee and Ajaan filled the minor placings.
Callan said: "I was a little bit worried as there was a change of pace and it got a bit messy, but I got a nice run round. For a staying horse, he's got quite a good turn of foot."
Tony Chapman, who bred Bauer and still owns a half-share in the eight-year-old, added: "I don't know whether he'll go back there (Melbourne Cup) this year, we'll have to speak to Luca and the other owners.
"We came here to find out how good he still was and I'm pleasantly surprised how well he has done it. We will have to see whether he will go across to Australia. He's not the best of travellers, so we want to be sure he is at his best."
Frankie Dettori was given a one-day careless riding ban (September 17) on the unplaced Merchant Of Dubai. As it stands, Dettori is due to miss the Ayr Gold Cup, which he has won for the last two years.
Zero Money had no trouble giving weight and a beating to his rivals in the Betfred 'The Bonus King' Be Friendly Handicap.
Ridden positively by Steve Drowne, the 9-4 favourite was soon in front and never looked like relinquishing his advantage. Master Rooney did his best to keep tabs on Roger Charlton's gelding, but Zero Money kept up the gallop to score by three-quarters of a length.
Caledonian Spring (100-30) gained sweet redemption following a luckless outing in the Acomb Stakes with victory in the Betfred Treble Odds On All Lucky's Stakes, and trainer Paul d'Arcy is now considering a Canadian event, the Group One Woodbine Mile on September 18.
