Cup dream for Khan’s connections; Top result for Brighthill; Champagne contenders impress;

Cup dream for Khan’s connections

Australasia’s premier staying prize tops the wish list for the connections of the star Kiwi colt Mongolian Khan.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained three-year-old crowned a stellar Group One holiday weekend for the stable when he won Monday’s ATC Derby following stablemate Diademe’s success in the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha on Saturday.

Mongolian Khan is raced by Lang Lin’s Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry group.

“The owner is keen to win a Melbourne Cup,” Baker said. “I know how good he is over the 2400 metres of the Caulfield Cup, but we’ll wait and see about the 3200m.”

Top result for Brighthill

Brighthill Farm were over the moon with the result of the Gr.1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick.

The Waikato stud is the New Zealand base for the thoroughbred interests of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, who quinellaed Monday’s two-year-old feature.

His colours were carried by both the winner Pride Of Dubai and Rageese, who dead-heated for second.

Rageese’s mother Rabsha, by Dehere, is a permanent resident at Brighthill and is currently in foal to O’Reilly.

The farm is also still savouring the recent outcome of the Gr.1 Dubai Sheema Classic won by Dolniya, a daughter of Azamour who is out of a half-sister to Brighthill stallion Dalghar.

Champagne contenders impress

Byerley Park stablemates Dragon Dancer and Ronchi are on target for the Listed Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie on Saturday week.

The Bruce Wallace-trained pair finished fifth and sixth respectively in the Easter Monday two-year-old event at Ellerslie and they are expected to appreciate the next step up to 1600 metres.

Debut runner Dragon Dancer came from near last on the turn to shade Ronchi, who was making his second appearance, at the post.