Almandin wins 2016 Italktravel Harry White Listed $120,000 at Caulfield (VIC), 2400m.
German import, Almandin, scored his first Australian win and first win since beating subsequent Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winner Protectionist (Monsun) more than two years ago in taking out the staying race of the day. With a circuit to run Damien Oliver settled Almandin in fourth on the rail. Down the back he improved to third while Shimrano surged away in the lead by five lengths. At the 600m Oliver got to work, moved off the rail to get ready to pounce, travelling so well that just short of the home turn was in second. Into the short 300m straight Almandin quickly took over and at the 200m had them by two lengths and after that there was no doubt, easing down at the finish for an easy win.
Assign had the job of dragging the field up to the pacemaker, was second down the side, hugged the rails around the last corner and ran on best of the rest to hold second at the post.
Last year's winner, Black Tomahawk moved forward down the side and fourth turning in. He ran past the tired ones but was never going to catch the first two.
