Former Hong Kong-trained galloper Gold Mount could be a starter in the Melbourne Cup after a strong win at Listed level in England on Saturday.
Gold Mount, who won at Royal Ascot as Primitivo in 2016, was having his first start for trainer Ian Williams in the Race To The Ebor Grand Cup (2800m) at York Racecourse after making the move from trainer Richard Gibson’s yard following his fourth-placed finish to Cross Counter in the Dubai Gold Cup.
?Anyone kicking themselves for not backing GOLD MOUNT!?
Runner-up in a Group 1 behind Pakistan Star in Hong Kong last season and now back in the UK landing a Listed race @yorkracecourse at odds of 16/1! #HKRacing pic.twitter.com/IXkNpPwoSY
— Hong Kong Racing (@HongKong_Racing) June 15, 2019
“He came from my very good friend Richard Gibson and after he ran so well in Hong Kong, the owners decided they’d like to aim at the Melbourne Cup,” Williams said.
“This was the start of his journey there and he couldn’t have done any more. He’s beat a fairly decent field very well and I’m delighted with his performance.
“He’s enjoyed that ground so we’ll have to be careful where we send him from here on in, but he’s tough – not big, but hardy.
“He’s performed well at Group One level over 10 furlongs (2000m) in Hong Kong so as a stayer we don’t know what he can do.”
Gold Mount is guaranteed a start in the £1 million Ebor Handicap at York in August, however Williams is erring on the side of caution.
“In terms of the Ebor, I think the handicapper will give him plenty of weight. He’s a small horse, a big weight in a top handicap might be tough for him,” Williams said.
“He’s been sent to me to be prepared for the Melbourne Cup, so we’ll work back from there.”
It's a last-to-first win for Gold Mount at 16-1 on his first start for Ian Williams at @yorkracecourse with Mekong very disappointing
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➡️https://t.co/zMjpDSoMTC pic.twitter.com/DDxIFatvdN
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 15, 2019
