Ebor winner Mustajeer is now the equal favourite for the Caulfield Cup following his win in the prestigious handicap at York ahead of his export to Australia.
Trained in Ireland by Ger Lyons, Mustajeer, who finished fourth in the Ebor last year, won the 2800m-race by three-quarters of a length from Red Galileo.
He has been bought by Australian Bloodstock with original owner David Spratt keeping a share, and will be sent to Newcastle trainer Kris Lees for a Cups campaign.
Following his win on Saturday (Sunday AEST), Mustajeer has firmed from $26 in the TAB’s Caulfield Cup market, joining six other horses on $15.
His Melbourne Cup price has been slashed from $51 to $17, behind only last year’s first and second, Cross Counter and Marmelo who are at $15.
“That’s his last race for us. He’s been sold to go to Australia, but David Spratt still owns a share,” Lyons’ daughter and assistant Kerri Lyons said.
“Hopefully it will be the Caulfield Cup and then the Melbourne Cup.
“That will be a dream come true and he’ll do well for the new owners.”
Australian Bloodstock won the 2014 Melbourne Cup with Protectionist prepared by German trainer Andreas Wohler.
Prince of Arran, third in last year’s Melbourne Cup, pleased trainer Charlie Fellowes with his eighth in the Ebor, five lengths from the winner, and is on target for his return to Australia.