The 2016 Melbourne Cup is already on the agenda for Almoonqith after his impressive Sandown Cup victory.
The David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained import wasn’t given a chance in this year’s Melbourne Cup after setting back off a slow tempo, but he erased any concerns about his ability to stay 3200m with a dominant performance in Saturday’s Listed event.
It was a peach of a ride from jockey Michael Walker, who managed to settle midfield on the rail from barrier 13, before easing out on the turn and powering away for an easy win.
The Melbourne Cup form held up remarkably well with The Offer and Grand Marshal running second and third respectively after also coming out of the race.
Hayes was thrilled with the ride.
“It was a great effort by the horse but maybe an even better effort by Michael Walker,” Hayes said.
WATCH: Almoonqith’s win
“He’s about to go on holidays with his hip replacement, but he’s gone out on a great note - that was just a terrific ride.”
The Hall of Fame trainer says Almoonqith will go for a spell now and is likely to run first-up in the Australian Cup before heading across the border.
“I think Almoonqith will head to Sydney for the Sydney Cup,” Hayes said.
“He’ll be an ideal horse for that and back here for next year’s Melbourne Cup.
“He’s shown Sheikh Hamdan that he can run two miles now and he’s a promising young stayer.
“This is his first prep so I’d expect him to be better in the autumn.”
WATCH: Hear from Walker after the race