Doncaster Mile 2016: Kermadec chance at double in famous mile

KERMADEC’S biggest problem last year was getting a run in the Doncaster. This time the obstacle is a lot closer to home.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Glen Boss rides Kermadec to win race 9, The Doncaster Mile, during Sydney Racing at Royal Randwick Racecourse on April 6, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Anthony Johnson/Getty Images)

KERMADEC’S biggest problem last year was getting a run in the Doncaster.

This time the obstacle in the way of owner Nev Morgan and Kermadec winning a second Doncaster at Randwick on Saturday may be an even greater hurdle.

Kermadec only secured a run in last year’s Doncaster after two scratchings, a process Morgan had to go through twice when the race was re-scheduled to the Monday.

Kermadec has the No. 1 saddlecloth in Saturday’s $3 million Group 1, so getting a run was never a problem but beating stablemate Winx certainly is.

“(Winx) has just jumped up out of the ground,” Morgan said.

“I was a bit of a sceptic before the Cox Plate but she’s proved me wrong.

“We’re still up there and still in with a chance, but gee, she looks bombproof at the moment.’’

At the start of the season, Kermadec was probably Chris Waller’s top seed. Now it is a battle for second, with Winx assuming the mantle of Australian racing’s new queen.

Owner Nev Morgan knows Kermadec has a big task ahead if he is to overcome champion stablemate Winx. Picture: Jono Searle

Morgan remains close friends with Winx’s owners.

“I’m conflicted. I would love to be in their shoes, but I’m great mates with Peter and Patty (Tighe) and I’m happy for them to have the ride,” he said.

“We got within a neck of her last time, before she just went away at the end. She was third-up there and we were only second-up, so I guess I’m hoping the added fitness can make a difference this time.

“Kermadec is a funny horse. Apart from the Cox Plate, which was an aberration, the only time a horse has ever gone past him was Mongolian Khan in the Caulfield Stakes and he won the Caulfield Cup a week later. He’s been amazingly consistent.’’

Morgan said options for Kermadec beyond Saturday could be contingent upon a potential stud deal, but include a trip to the UK or Brisbane.

“I can tell you what I am certain of, he will be dodging Winx,” Morgan said.

Originally published as Doncaster Mile 2016: Kermadec chance at double in famous mile