The Forsman formula: Mustang Morgan ready to explode in 2025 Tulloch Stakes

Kiwi trainer Andrew Forsman is treading a proven path as he prepares for another Sydney autumn raid with Mustang Morgan in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.

Kiwi trainer Andrew Forsman is banking on a proven formula paying off as he prepares for another Sydney autumn raid with Mustang Morgan in Saturday’s Group 2 $300,000 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.

Forsman is following the tried and true path used effectively by and with his former trainer partner Murray Baker with an abundance of success as he plots a course for Saturday week’s Group 1 $2 million Australian Derby (2400m).

Forsman and Baker claimed Tulloch Stakes-Derby double with both Jon Snow (2017) and Quick Thinker (2020) during their memorable partnership.

They have also had placegetters in the Group 1 lead-up including Regal Lion (2022), Madison County (2019) and Weather With You (2018).

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“With the three-week gap post our Derby to freshen them a touch over the 2000m and then on the quick back-up into the Derby often sees them have that bit of a fitness edge,” Forsman said.

“As a rule our (NZ) Derby form tends to stack up in Sydney so we are hoping that is the case this year anyway.“

A son of 2014 Victoria Derby winner Preferment, Mustang Morgan highlighted his own Derby credentials back in January when winning the Listed Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie.

🔥 Mustang Morgan gets the photo in the Listed Salver Stakes at Ellerslie for Andrew Forsman.

Another stakes winner for Champion Stayer Preferment, out of Assertiveobsession (Zedative)

Bred by Little River Thoroughbred Partnership, he’s now heading toward the G1 NZ Derby! pic.twitter.com/PQoJpzoVPM

— Brighthill Farm (@brighthillfarm) January 12, 2025

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The three-year-old raced without luck at a crucial time last start in the New Zealand Derby but was doing his best work late when fifth behind current Australian Derby equal favourite Willydoit.

“He came through the Derby really well,” Forsman said.

“We thought he was unlucky and probably should have finished a lot closer.

“He was shuffled back at an important time of the race and only got out and going when it was all over.

“He has come through it and settled into Sydney very well.”

Will he? Will he? You bet he will!
Willydoit wins the Trackside New Zealand Derby at @Ellerslie_Races.
Ridden by @mickdee020 and trained by Shaun & Emma Clotworthy.@MyRacehorseAU@RacingMcGraw
The traditions of racing have met innovation today and we love it! pic.twitter.com/NwXK9PDVbu

— Trackside NZ (@TracksideNZ) March 8, 2025

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Forsman admitted the potential of a rain affected track was a big query for Mustang Morgan and was wary not to flatten his gelding if the conditions were to get too heavy.

Past stayer Regan Lion was runner-up to Character in the Tulloch Stakes when the Tancred Stakes meeting had to be moved to Newcastle due to wet weather but failed to fire on the back up.

“Mustang Morgan has only raced on one genuinely rain affected track before and he was pretty poor,” Forsman said.

“That very early in his career and quiet a different track so it’s hard to compare.

“The biggest factor for us that if it does get into that heavy range and is quite testing, we’d be quite nervous about lining him up to be honest knowing he would have to back up off a hard run on a heavy track.”

Victorian jockey Damian Lane will pilot Mustang Morgan ($9.50), which will be one of two NZ Derby runners in the Tulloch Stakes alongside the Tony Pike-trained Golden Century ($6.50).

The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton-trained King Of Thunder holds favouritism at $3.60.

Originally published as The Forsman formula: Mustang Morgan ready to explode in 2025 Tulloch Stakes