Homesman wins 2018 Mornington Cup Prelude Listed $120,000 at Caulfield (VIC), 2000m.
A Group Three winner in Ireland last year and having his first run in Australia, Homesman showed great fight when looking beaten for a tenacious win here, his third in eight starts. In a muddling pace he reached the lead early from a wide draw then camped one out, a half length back all the way to near the last corner where rider Ben Melham shot him to the lead to steal the race.
He held them at bay by a length at the 200m but was caught at the 100m yet he would not give in, fighting back hard and stretching his neck just short of the line to win narrowly.
Almandin was three wide midfield passing the 600m, moved up near the last corner and challenged three wide turning for home. He caught the winner at the 100m and looked to edge clear but the winner came back gamely to deny him, but a good effort.
Golden Mane was fourth into the straight and stayed on to nab third late from Bedford who finished on from midfield, losing third late for fourth.
