Golden Mile victory delivers redemption for Von Hauke
The Golden Mile from last year ranks among the races trainer Cliff Brown wishes to forget in Von Hauke's resume, and briefly on Saturday, he anticipated the 2026 renewal might end up similarly archived.
Yet, differing from the prior occasion where the consistently hard-luck gelding was blocked for most of the straight before settling for fourth, 1-1/2 lengths shy, he navigated the gaps effectively to storm home for a pulsating success in the $200,000 Listed race.
Brown often experiences anxiety viewing the six-year-old in action and was delighted to see the tardy improver obtain the necessary fortune for what he deemed a merited triumph.
"I thought it might be history repeating itself, that's for sure," Brown said when asked his thoughts in the run.
"Good on him. He's a lovely horse and he seems to be getting better.
"I think mentally he's better. Physically I think they take time, but mentally he's a lot better. He still overraced a little bit, but he's far better than he was."
Von Hauke, a $11 chance at Bendigo, picked up win number five from 27 attempts by darting clear to hit the front approaching the final 100m and withstand a closing bid by Wonder Boy ($4.60) in the 1600m showdown.
Shockletz ($12), back from a spell as a stayer, flashed home eye-catchingly to grab third, another half-length adrift.
Von Hauke's success followed his previous close-fought win in the Group 2 Crystal Mile during Cox Plate Day, and rider Harry Coffey highlighted the gelding's quality.
"He's got a great little turn of foot, he just needs races run to suit," Coffey said.
"He was the best horse in the race, he just needed things to be run how he likes, it was and we've seen how good he is."
Brown indicated the gelding will probably travel to Queensland aiming for the Winter Carnival, lacking a definite target but not dismissing a cutback to 1400m in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap come early June.
Discover the best online bookmakers offering racing betting markets for the Golden Mile.
More Racing News
Regal Zeus set for Eye Liner Stakes as McArdle eyes Group 1 targets
Mornington-based trainer John McArdle is already charting a course for a Group 1 campaign early in the season, with Queensland playing a key role in his plans.The gelding Regal Zeus is heading to Ipswich for the Listed Eye Liner Stakes (1350m) on Saturday, which is slated as the initial of...
The Western Front seeks more staying honours
The Lindsay Park training operation, managed by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, is anticipating a fruitful outcome with their in-form stayer at Flemington.The Western Front is slated to compete in a 2500m handicap this Saturday, aiming to build on his consistent recent performances.This galloper, originally from New Zealand, was...
Pride's Poison Chalice eyes Civic Stakes success
Joseph Pride, a trainer known for elevating tried horses, is now guiding the talented gelding Poison Chalice.The six-year-old Savabeel progeny was formerly trained by Paul Preusker in Horsham, with his last run being a tenth-place finish in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m).While Poison Chalice has not yet won beyond benchmark...
Caulfield Cup prize money boosted for historic 150th running
A substantial increase in prize money has been announced for the Caulfield Cup, perfectly timed for the historic 150th running of this iconic Australian thoroughbred race.The renowned 2400m handicap event, set to take place on October 17, will now feature a total prize pool of $6 million. A key feature...
De Bergerac's final preparation ahead of Santa Ana Lane Series
With a place already secured in next month's Santa Ana Lane Series Final, De Bergerac will have its final tune-up in this Saturday's qualifier for the Listed event.The Grahame Begg-trained five-year-old, a gelding, is set to contest the $150,000 open handicap over 1100 metres at Flemington.This race represents the last...
Asfoora set for Royal Ascot return with blinkers on
The pinnacle event, Grand Final Day, is fast approaching for Asfoora, and her trainer Henry Dwyer is anticipating an enhanced performance from his globe-trotting mare in the King Charles III Stakes on the first day at Royal Ascot.The seven-year-old daughter of Flying Artie, who triumphed in the 1005-metre Group 1...
Skyhook proves mile credentials in Gunsynd Classic success
Skyhook has successfully demonstrated his aptitude for the mile distance with a dominant performance in the Gunsynd Classic, now firmly establishing himself as a contender for the prestigious Golden Eagle in the spring.Co-trainer Sterling Alexiou confirmed that the promising three-year-old colt would be sent for a spell following his impressive...
Remedial trial work for See That Storm after debut setback
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's stable has opted for remedial trial work for former European import See That Storm following a disappointing debut performance in Australia.The gelding finished at the tail of the field on his Australian debut at Caulfield on May 30, crossing the line more than 10...
Royal Supremacy dictates terms to win The Q22
In a performance reminiscent of Pride Of Jenni, the Ciaron Maher-trained Royal Supremacy dictated the pace from the outset to secure victory in The Q22 at Eagle Farm.Following the late withdrawal of Pride Of Jenni due to the Heavy 9 track, Royal Supremacy assumed the lead in the Group 2...
McDonald Triumphs in JJ Atkins Stakes, Sets New Group 1 Record
A champion indeed, Tron Bolt, under the expert handling of James McDonald, clinched victory in the prestigious Group 1 JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm. In doing so, McDonald etched his name in the record books, surpassing Malcolm Johnston's long-standing mark for group one wins in a single Australian...