German-bred import
Almandin (GER) opened his winning account in Australia in Saturday's Listed
Italktravel Harry White Classic (2400m) at Caulfield.
Given a charmed ride by Damien Oliver, the son of Monsun came away to defeat stablemate Assign (Montjeu) by two lengths with Black Tomahawk (Seul Amour) a further three lengths off third. (photos Grant Courtney).
"I had a good trail once
Shimrano ran along and it all went smoothly," Oliver said.
"I came out down the side when O'Lonera got going and was able to travel up on his back to the turn."
"He gave me a good kick off the
bend, gave me a good feel all the way actually.
"He's got good European form but probably hasn't shown his best here to date.
"He's coming good at the right time and I think is capable of winning better races."
The Robert Hickmott-trained gelding had a decision over Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist in a Group II in Germany back in June 2014 but a lung infection and a leg injury kept him off the scene for two years before a belated Australian debut for team Williams at Moonee Valley on June 18.
He was an even sixth of 14 there but failed to beat a runner home over 2000m at Flemington on August 6.
He improved on that to finish fifth at Moonee Valley three weeks later despite being caught wide
in the run.
Almandin (GER) holds a nomination for next Saturday's Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick and with Saturday's victory passed the first ballot clause for the 2016 Melbourne Cup.
Like Protectionist and Fiorente,
Almandin (GER) is a son of the champion Monsun.
A brother to the Group II winner Atempo, out of the stakes-placed Tiger Hill mare
Ametrin,
Almandin is a three-quarter brother to Group 1 German Oaks heroine
Amarette (Monsun).
