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Mongolian Khan wins 2015 Essilor N.Z. Avondale Gneas Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Ellerslie (NZ) 3yo, 2100m.
From barrier three, Mongolian Khan was sixth at the post with a lap to run and elected to move forward when the pace eased at the entrance to the back straight (1450m). He led topping the rise at the 1100m, dictated the pace thereafter to find an advantage under his own steam at the 300m and came away impressively when asked to lengthen.
Third to the winner in the Waikato Guineas (Gr 2, 2000m), last time, Prima crossed to lead from a wide barrier (13), trailed from the 1100m and clear at the 300m he ran on solidly for second.
Eased to the rear of the field, race favourite Volkstok'n'barrell was third last at the 800m, standing the leader ten lengths, and he sustained a big finish wide on the track for third.
Fourth placed Midnitemagicman was sent forward to position handily, settled sixth into the back straight and he sustained a good finish.
McQueen went forward from a wide draw (14) to position outside the leader, retaining his spot when Mongolian Khan took over and he fought bravely for (2.3 lengths) fifth.
Sound Proposition produced an eye-catching New Zealand Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) trial when running home boldly for sixth and Rockfast fought well from midfield for seventh.