Adelaide Cup Goal for Montjeu's Annus Mirabilis

Purchased out of the Lloyd Williams stable as a jump prospect, Annus Mirabilis (IRE) may have delayed his career over the hurdles following a dominant win in Sunday's Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington.

A winner at Leopardstown for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore team, Annus Mirabilis (IRE) numbered a lone win at Pakenham for Team Williams before being sold to clients of Stuart Webb at the start of the season.

The 6yo son of Montjeu was coming off a win at Sandown.

Settled back midfield by Regan Bayliss as the tearaway leader Cinnamon Carter strung the field out, Annus Mirabilis (IRE) took the short-cuts around the home turn and from there it was a matter of how far.

Displaying an impressive turn of foot, Annus Mirabilis went on to win by two and a quarter lengths from Anemoi ($21) with Thunder Teddington ($10) three-quarters of a length away third. (photo Darryl Sherer). 

"We thought we'd have the third run in and send him to the paddock and get him ready for a jumping preparation," Webb said.

"The way he's staying we might have to re-address where we are heading with him."

"The Adelaide Cup is race we might look at. He's such a clean-winded and genuine stayer and an easy horse to train.

"He settled so well today and just put his head on his chest then when Regan asked him accelerate into the straight he just took the gap and the race was never in doubt.

"He'll go to the water walker for a week or two then we will see where we go."

A son of the stakes-placed Kingmambo mare Love Me True, Annus Mirabilis sports an impeccable pedigree.

He is a half-brother to 5-time Group I winner Duke Of Marmalade (Danehill) and the Epsom Derby winner Ruler Of The World (Galileo).

Love Me True is a half-sister to the underrated stallion Bite The Bullet (USA).