Mourinho wins 2015 Back To Caul. Lawrence Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Caulfield (VIC) 3yo+, 1400m.
Mourinho scored a narrow but good first-up win. He was smartly away from his inside barrier (1) and then enjoyed a good trip behind the leader (The Cleaner) until taking a split on straightening. He challenged at the 200m and kept finishing gamely for a last-stride win.
The Cleaner went to the front as usual but on this occasion was steadied in front (first 800m 49.03). He lifted the pace from the 600m and battled back strongly, only being overhauled right at the post to finish second in a bold first-up effort.
Dibayani travelled well in fourth place, one out and one back, moved up at the home turn and battled on nicely in the sprint home for a promising third at his first Australian start and his first run since last October.
Big Memory settled in last place in the nine-horse field and remained there to the home turn. He then caught the eye, running on late in the centre for a good first-up (1.9 lengths) fourth.
Excess Knowledge was quickly away, raced in second place but was under pressure nearing the home turn. He then battled on well in the straight, stepping up in class here for (2 lengths) fifth.
Outsider No Tricks was sixth on the rails and held on well for (2.3 lengths) sixth. Taiyoo was last to the home turn and impressed running on for a good first-up (2.5 lengths) seventh.
Petrology was back in eighth place, went wide from the 300m to finish a sound (3.3 lengths) eighth while the favourite Smokin' Joey raced closer to the pace in fifth place, one off the rails. He made a wide move nearing the home turn but faded in the straight to finish (4.3 lengths) last. A post-race endoscopy detected a degree of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage that may have affected his performance and a veterinary clearance will be required prior to racing again.
