Saracen strongest in Ansett Classic

Jamie Kah credited Danny O’Brien’s training effort in the wake of Irish import Saracen Knight trouncing his rivals in the $175,000 Listed R.M Ansett Classic (2400m) at Mornington on Saturday.

The Northern Hemisphere seven-year-old was having his eighth start for the campaign and notched his second win in the period after three successive metropolitan minor placings.

“The team has done a great job keeping him fresh but also fit at the same time,” Kah said in the wake of her fifth victory across Mornington’s eight-race card.

Saracen Knight ($3.30 favourite) defeated Verimli ($51) by 2.75 lengths to win his first stakes race with Harmysian ($5) finishing 6.5 lengths behind the winner.

WATCH: Saracen Knight wins the Ansett Classic

Verimli raced keenly in the lead under Anthony Darmanin who eventually relented and allowed his mount to stride at a fast pace in the Ansett Classic.

Saracen Knight settled fourth on the fence and after shouldering into the clear underneath Irish Flame ($21) at the 500-metre reeled in Verimli with 150 metres remaining.

“The speed was hot, I got into a nice spot and rhythm,” Kah said.

“It was a little bit tricky to get out (underneath Irish Flame) but once he was out, he had a great turn of foot for a stayer that has probably been a bit dour in his past few starts.

“He (Verimli) was quite a way in front but the feel my boy gave me, he was always going to win. He had a great turn of foot and on the line he could have gone another lap.”

Beau Dunn, representing the O’Brien stable, suggested the upcoming challenge for the yard would be separating their team of stakes performed middle-distance horses during spring which is headlined by 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare and includes Young Werther, Midnight Blue and Wyclif.