Merchant Navy wins 2017 H.D.F. McNeil Stakes Group 3 $150,000 at Caulfield (VIC), 1200m.

Merchant Navy appears to be the real deal, now unbeaten in four starts, his last two at black-type level, and gave his opponents few excuses with a strong last-to-first win here. He broke a little slowly from barrier three to settle back soon after the start. Under Mark Zahra they went wide at the 450m and entered the home straight seven wide, ranged up to the lead at the 150m then edged clear inside the 100m to win well.

Booker was three wide in fourth at the 450m, ran up to take over at the 200m but could not hold off the winner despite putting up a good fight for second.

Muraahib was well back (fence) turning in and did not get clear until the 100m, running on very well late to nab third from Trekking, who was a handy second turning in, keeping up a solid gallop only to lose third on the line.