Mongolian Khan wins 2015 Tv3 New Zealand Derby Group 1 NZ$750,000 at Ellerslie (NZ) 3yo, 2400m.

Drawing barrier twelve in a field of eighteen, Mongolian Khan worked across into a lovely spot, fourth on the outer, at the post with a lap to run. Mongolian Khan relaxed beautifully in the run for rider Opie Bosson who took the opportunity to remain unimpeded by moving three wide into third inside the 800m. He had his hand forced to quicken when the race favourite Volkstok’n’barrell swept up to attack entering the straight at the 400m and as the pair drew clear in a dual it was Mongolian Khan that stayed the better of the two to find a one length advantage near the line.

Volkstok'n'barrell also received a lovely trip behind the eventual winner, staked his claim early in the straight and in finishing second remained highly creditable in his bid for glory.

Five and a half lengths away, Sound Proposition was last early from a wide barrier (16), tracked up through the pack to be six lengths off the pace at the 600m and once pushed into the clear on straightening he produced a strong finish for third.

Dee I Cee staged a big run to finished fourth. Last on the inner, he tracked up near the rail in the straight and clear at the 150m he rattled home for his placing.

Out of midfield, Midnitemagicman was clear to lodge his challenge into the straight only to be collared inside the 100m to finish (7.3 lengths) fifth.