Master trainer Murray Baker wins the $2 million Group I BMW Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick for fun, and for the fourth time in ten years, Baker, along with training partner Andrew Forsman will take the trophy for the classic back across the Tasman following the win of Jon Snow.
The son of Iffraaj (GB) follows Nom Du Jeu (2008), It's A Dundeel (2013) and Mongolian Khan (2015).
Given a positive ride by Damian Lane, Jon
When it seemed Jon Snow would win decisively, Harper's Choice raised another effort but came up three-quarters of a length short with David Brideoake's Hardham (Redoute's Choice) a strong finishing third.(photos Steve Hart).
Third behind Gingernuts in the Group I NZ Derby, Jon Snow won his first stakes race seven days ago in the Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill.
His overall record advances to 3 wins, 1 second and 4 thirds from 12 starts with earnings of $1,587,794.
"He had won so well, he just bounced through the run and his work on Thursday morning was brilliant. He pulled up well," Forsman said.
"Everything has gone so well since he came over here. A big thank you to Bjorn (Baker) and all the staff. They have done a great job looking after him.
"It's a pleasure to be in partnership with a great trainer. He's a master and knows how to bring them over here and get the job done."
Red hot young jockey Damian Lane is on the crest of a wave lately earning his second Group I in the space of three weeks after Humidor's Australian Cup success at Flemington.
"It's a great thrill to win a Derby on such a seasoned horse. I was very lucky to get on him last week and happy to stick with him today. He was too good," Lane said.
"Credit to the horse. When I switched him off he settled beautifully and when I switched him back on at the 600m he came up under me nicely.
"It was just perfect. It was almost a replica of last week. Jason Collett rated the leader perfectly and I was able to just sit a length off and when I switched him back on at the 600m he was all business from there."
Consigned to the 2015 NZ Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale by Haunui Farm, Jon Snow was knocked down to Andrew Forsman for $65,000.
He is the first foal of the winning O'Reilly mare Orinda a half-sister to Chris Waller's iron horse Mr Ubiquitous (Tale Of The Cat) a 4-time stakes winner out of the Zabeel mare Zahra a three-quarter sister to Group I Sydney Cup winner Gallic half-sister to Group III Stan Fox Stakes winner Greig and Listed winner Lady Solvil the dam of dual Listed stakes winner Lady Of The Desert.
The third dam of Jon Snow is the triple Group I winner Solveig (Imposing).
One of 46 stakes winner for Iffraaj (GB), Jon Snow becomes his sire's seventh Group I winner.
A son of Zafonic, Iffraaj (GB) shuttles to Haunui Farm.
