SUPER CUP WIN FOR AKTAU

Aktau has always exuded raw talent and the powerful import is moulding it in the right way, clinching a place in the 2020 Caulfield Cup with his impressive victory in today’s $350,000 Mornington Cup (2400m) at Listed level.

The result did not alway look so rosy however, Aktau well back and pocketed between the 1000 and 700-metre marks by Suzuka Devious and looked to be in a hopeless position down the side of the course.

But McNeil knew what he had underneath him and patiently threaded Aktau through the pack to loom large at the top of the straight before racing past Inverloch inside the final 100m to score by three-quarters of a length.

Mike Moroney has patiently handled the son of Teofilo since his arrival last year and was delighted with the win and the nett result.

“I thought for him to get around that track, balance up and then get there to win was a really good effort,” Moroney said.

“A solid pace helped him but for him to pick himself up and get there from a long way back was a really good effort.

“It’s a terrific result, he’s qualified for the Caulfield Cup now and he can head to the paddock for a rest now and we can prepare him for the spring and

“He’s living up to what he bought him for and I think he’s still got a lot of improvement in him.”

Jye McNeil has been aboard Aktaun in all four of his Australian starts and said the fast tempo allowed Aktau, who can be prone to racing keenly, to settle through the middle stages.

"I had one come at me really early about the 1000-metre mark, it got on the three wide line and started to improve but for me that was too early, I didn't want to go then and unfortunately that caused a few traffic issues for me," McNeil said.

"But lucky enough it all worked out well and he really relished the line first time at the trip.

"I think with maturity and racing he's going to develop into a lovely stayer.”

Congratulations to his connections, Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd, R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Pulitano Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Mrs C M Cook, Mr F W Cook, Gee Gee Equine Limited, B & C Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Mrs J G Madden, Mr C H Madden, Ms A M Bergin, Mr B Pang, Dr A Pang and Vermont Racing Club Aktau.