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Ashrun Claims a Spot in Melbourne Cup

Mark Smith - Saturday October 31

The Andreas Wohler-trained Ashrun (FR) earned a place in the field for Tuesday's Melbourne Cup with a last stride win in the Group II Lexus Hotham Stakes (2500m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Ashrun earns his way into the Melbourne Cup (George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos)

Carrying the colours of Australian Bloodstock, the son of Epsom Derby winner Authorized edged out Sound (GER) (Lando) by a short-head with Brimham Rocks (GB) (Fastnet Rock) a length back in third.

Group 1 placed in Europe, Ashrun (FR) arrived in Australia off a second in the Group II Prix Kergorlay. He was a close-up fourth behind Steel Prince (IRE) in the group III Geelong Cup on October 21.

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He drops from 61 kgs to 53kgs in the Melbourne Cup, and handicapper Greg Carpenter said he would not be giving him a penalty.

"We are so happy because we were always aiming at the Cup but had our troubles getting into it," Wohler said.

“I was a bit worried on the way around because he did not jump well and have the position we wanted him to have, but Kerrin got him into contention quickly, and he just kept going.”

A half-brother to the German Group II winner Ashiana (Mastercraftsman), Ashrun is one of three winners from six to race out of the Group III winning Areion mare Ashantee.

Ashrun (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos)

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Race Result - Hotham Stakes Gr3 2500m

Flemington Track: Good(4) Time: 2:37.94
1
Ashrun
- 5h Authorized (IRE) x Ashantee (GER) (Areion (GER))
Tnr: Andreas Wohler Rdr: K Mc Evoy 61
2
0.1
Sound
- 8h Lando (GER) x Sky Dancing (IRE) (Exit To Nowhere (USA))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: Jamie Kah 59.5
3
1.1
Brimham Rocks
- 7g Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Colima (IRE) (Authorized (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: J Bowman 60
Fastnet Rock
3
1.1
Future Score
- 6g Cape Cross (IRE) x Theola (IRE) (Kalanisi (IRE))
Tnr: Matthew Cumani Rdr: Fred W Kersley 58
5
1.6
Carif
- 5h So You Think (NZ) x Norzita (NZ) (Thorn Park (AUS))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: W Pike 57.5
6
3.6
Schabau
- 6h Pastorius (GER) x Staying Alive (GER) (Royal Dragon (USA))
Tnr: Robert Hickmott Rdr: M Zahra 56.5
7
4.1
Admire Robson
- 7h Deep Impact (JPN) x Admire Marine (JPN) (Kurofune (USA))
Tnr: P A Preusker Rdr: G Boss 56
8
5.6
Azuro
- 7g Myboycharlie (IRE) x Anthropologie (IRE) (Okawango (USA))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: B Melham 58
9
8.3
Platinum Invador
- 5g Redwood (GB) x Atomic Dancer (AUS) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: P G Moody Rdr: L Nolen 59.5
10
9.8
Hush Writer
- 6g Rulership (JPN) x Star Of Sapphire (USA) (Tapit (USA))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Craig Williams 60
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