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Mongolian Wings could look to emulate sire New Zealand Derby

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Mongolian Wings  (3 g Mongolian Khan - Dolce Bella by Postponed) got off the mark on the second attempt when he landed the Lodge Commercial Maiden Stakes (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday and could now attempt to emulate his sire Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor) in the New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). 

Ridden by Opie Bosson, who was aboard Mongolian Khan in all of his Group 1 wins, Mongolian Wings finished strongly to defeat Arancia (Sweet Orange) by three-quarters of a length. Aquaoir (Ocean Park) was a further length away in third. 

Co-trainer Murray Baker was impressed with the run as he plans a course towards a potential start in the New Zealand Derby on March 6.

“He’s a promising stayer who just lacks a bit of experience at the moment,” Baker said.

“In saying that he should be right once he gets up beyond a mile in his next few runs.

“It was a lovely ride as he held him up and only did what he had to do in the end.

“This combination has had a bit of luck in the past so it would be nice to think we might be able to do that again.

“We’ll see how he pulls up before we make any further assessments of him, but I think when he does get over ground you will see a promising horse.”

The three-year-old gelding is out of winning Postponed (Summer Squall) mare Dolce Bella, who is herself a daughter of Group 2 winner Boulevardofdreams (Daggers Drawn) and she also produced Listed winner Saigon Tea (Thorn Park). 

Further back this is the same family as Group 1 winner Victory Smile (Victory Dance). 

The Windsor Park Stud-based Mongolian Khan, whose oldest crop are three-year-olds, has eight lots catalogued at Book 1 of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka National Yearling Sale.