Okita Soushi cracks it for first win on Australian soil with Moonee Valley Gold Cup victory

Trainer Ciaron Maher’s staying dominance continued at The Valley on Friday night with Okita Soushi claiming his first victory on Australian soil to stamp a ticket into the Melbourne Cup.

Okita Soushi punched a ticket to the Melbourne Cup with a powerful display in the Group 2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) on Friday night.

The Ciaron Maher stayer defeated Serpentine and Sharp ‘N’ Smart by a half-length and two lengths respectively.

Okita Soushi sealed a double for the powerhouse stable on Friday night after Morryl Moral saluted early on the card as a $31 outsider.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull confirmed Melbourne Cup aspirations for Okita Soushi.

“100%. It’s always been the long-term plan when he came to us off the back of his last campaign in spring,” Turnbull said.

“It’s really good and pleasing when things work out in terms of timing.”

Okita Soushi finished 11th in the Cup last year but his last start when second behind Herman Hesse in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) suggests the genuine two miler is in superior form.

Okita Soushi wins the Ladbrokes Moonee Valley Gold Cup with Billy Egan in the saddle Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos via Getty Images

“Massive team effort. We thought he was going really good into that last run,” Turnbull said.

“He’s just a classic stayer that wants twelve furlongs.

“Once you get him to that level, and at a level of fitness, he excels.

“He showed that last start, and he’s gone on and done it again today. He’s in really good form.”

Maher stablemate Saint George got too far back in the run but finished strongly.

“Saw a bit of grey flashing light, which is fantastic,” Turnbull said.

“He’s a few spots higher than Okita. So, yeah. With attrition, there’s every chance that he might sneak in because that’s what we wanted to see.”

Originally published as Okita Soushi cracks it for first win on Australian soil with Moonee Valley Gold Cup victory