Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal on track for Melbourne Cup after March Stakes success

A race lacking quantity was redeemed by the quality of its winner.

The March Stakes may have attracted only four runners but it still posed a new challenge for the winner Hoo Ya Mal, who set a clear standard on ratings but still had a point to prove over a new trip.

However, that proved no impediment. The three-year-old was eased into contention behind the Queen's Perfect Alibi by William Buick and after the briefest of tussles, he stretched clear to record his first Group success by two and a half lengths.

The Derby runner-up, who was third here on his first start for trainer George Boughey last time, will be aimed at the Cazoo St Leger and, as far as dress rehearsals go, it could hardly have been smoother, with the only moment of alarm coming shortly after the line.

There was concern Hoo Ya Mal may have been lame as he had to be walked into the winner's enclosure, but fortunately he didn't suffer an injury and had just lost a shoe while Buick was pulling him up.

When asked about the incident, Boughey said: "He’s overreached when passing the line and it’s pretty tacky ground, but luckily he’s fine. He lost a shoe and a second one is hanging on."

The trainer added: "It was a test stepping up to a mile and six furlongs on ground slower than he's been used to as a three-year-old.

"I slightly worried he might take a keen hold, but he was in good hands with William and it was the perfect trial for the St Leger.

"Stepping up in trip slightly defies his pedigree. William said he doesn't feel like he'll stay but he does. He had the class edge and was expected to win. I just wanted to see him relax and hit the line."

George Boughey: 'they have a really fun horse'Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Hoo Ya Mal was bought by an Australian syndicate led by Sir Owen Glenn for £1.2 million in June and his future lies in warmer climes when he joins the powerful training tandem of Adrian Bott and Gai Waterhouse for the latter half of the Melbourne Spring Carnival.

But before heading to Australia for a tilt at the lucrative Melbourne Cup, he will line up in next month's St Leger at Doncaster. He was unchanged at 8-1 for the Classic with Paddy Power and was introduced at 16-1 for the Melbourne Cup.

"The main reason for him staying in England for a few months longer was to get some experience, rather than going straight to the Melbourne Cup," said Boughey.

"The race is coming together rather than falling apart, but I'm looking forward to sending him there; they have a really fun horse."

There was to be no fairytale for 125-1 shot Pink Fire Lilly. Rated only 64, it was always a tall order for the filly, who cost a mere €1,000, but she was not disgraced when finishing nine lengths behind Animato in fourth.

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