Muramasa (+380) continued his winning ways since returning as a gelding, smashing his rivals in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) on Saturday at Flemington, and securing his third-straight victory of the campaign.
The Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young-trained four-year-old was able to get into a lovely rhythm under Daniel Moor and take a sit mid-field with cover throughout the 2600m journey.
It was a race set alight with a solid tempo courtesy of Knights Order (+2000) and Third Realm (+2200) charging to the lead, allowing some of the more favoured gallopers a luxurious run in transit.
Duke De Sessa (+360) got into a perfect stalking position when turning for home, as did Ladies Man (+1300) as both looked to weave a passage to victory.
It was to no avail, however, as Muramasa simply outmatched his rivals, with the low-weighted son of Deep Impact storming away with the prize.
2023 Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes Replay – Muramasa | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Daniel Moor
Victory on Saturday assures Muramasa a spot in next year's Melbourne Cup and co-trainer Natalie Young was on course to speak about her progressive stayer.
“This means he is qualified for the big race next year,” said Young.
“The owners love this horse. I remember being at Inglis and thinking I'd pay $800,000 for him and he was half the price of that.
“I thought he was going to turn into something one day and hopefully it is a Melbourne Cup horse.
“He's got a real turn-of-foot and this race panned out for the goals in a year's time.
“We've just got to keep it together for the Zipping, so he might do that. Just has to pull up well.”
Jockey Daniel Moor has taken the reins on all three occasions this preparation, and although he wasn't always confident, spoke to the class of his mount.
“It was a little sticky first time out of the straight,” said Moor.
“I was awkwardly placed and had to bide our time before getting down to the fence.
“He didn't parade well, he didn't go to the start well, the crowd really got him stirred up which is not ideal when you've got to go over a trip.
“I reckon I went 60 metres out of the gates and it was awkward. Once I got down the back, a good jockey – Steven Arnold – says always go to the rail and rest.
“The main thing was to get him to rest and I knew he'd be strong late. He presented a little early because the run presented and I had to go.
“Even though he was having a bit of a wander late he was very good.