Gorky Park Qualifies for Cup

The formidable David Hayes and Craig Williams duo teamed up with Karaka Premier Sale graduate Gorky Park to take top honours in the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (3200m) at Flemington on Saturday, and qualify the four-year-old for the 2008 Melbourne Cup.

Proving way too classy for his rivals, Gorky Park (Montjeu x Steluta by Defensive Play)  jumped from barrier nine to enjoy a rails run and turn on an impressive dash to put five lengths on his rivals at the post, while carrying 58kg.

Doubly Sure, a son of Waikato Stud's O'Reilly, finished in second place while Go And Get finished almost ten lengths from the winner in third.

Saturday's race was the second Listed victory for the entire who has now raced on 20 occasions for four wins, seven placings and A$819,750. His placings include second to fellow NZB graduate Efficient in the Group 1 VRC Derby and third behind Blutigeroo and NZB grad Railings in the Group 1 BMW Stakes.

After the race Hayes confirmed that the forthcoming season will see Gorky Park aimed at the Melbourne Cup. The last horse to win the Andrew Ramsden (then the Duke of Norfolk Stakes) and progress onto take Australia's time-honoured staying event was the Lloyd Williams-owned What A Nuisance. The Kiwi-bred won the Cup in 1985 taking Williams 17 years to replicate the success with last year's winner, Efficient.

South Australian-based owner, Les Samba, purchased Gorky Park from Little Avondale Stud's 2005 draft for NZ$360,000.