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Mongolian Khan wins 2015 Darci Brahma Waikato Guineas Group 2 NZ$ 100,000 at Te Rapa (NZ) 3yo, 2000m.
Mongolian Khan was trimmed to $5 for the New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) following his win. Although taking a few strides to hit his straps from barrier two, Mongolian Khan worked forward outside the leader and settled third into the back straight. He ranged to challenge two off the rail rounding the home turn at the 400m, wound up a strong staying finish when asked to extend at the 200m and went through the line as a commanding winner.
Giant Turtle put up a good fight for second after leading and the maiden Prima showed his potential in finishing third despite being trapped wide in the early stages and working forward to race second in the open from the 1200m.
While horses close to the pace dominated the finish, McQueen circled from ninth at the 600m and sustained a big run for fifth and the 2400-metre Derby trip should suit sixth-placed Margin Trader, who wound up a staying finish once balanced in the straight. Even those horses finishing beyond sixth ran through the line solidly, but had little chance given the way the race was run.