HANG MAN SHOWS NO MERCY TO CAULFIELD RIVALS

Hang Man hinted at better things to come with a big finish to win at Caulfield on Boxing Day.

Racing for the first time since finishing third over 2400m at Sandown in July, Hang Man ducked and weaved in the home straight before flashing home once in the clear under Jack Martin to win the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1400m.

Vetted twice before the start after backing into the rail on his way to the barriers, Hang Man was keen to get on with things.

“Anthony (Feroce) and the boys told me he was a bit fresh and he was just a bit excited to get on with it,” Martin said.

“Once we got behind the barriers he was fine.”

Martin said a phone call from Patrick Moloney during the week was helpful.

“Patrick is a good mate of mine and he told me the horse is fine and even though he’s a stayer not to be surprised if he ran a ripper of a race and that’s what he did.

“What he did his first preparation in Australia he did pretty well so a big thank you to Mike (Moroney) for putting me on.”

It is the fourth win from eight starts for the imported son of Windsor Knot.

Congratulations to R & C Legh Racing Pty Ltd, Pulitano Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, B & C Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Ms A M Bergin, Werrett Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr C H Madden, Mrs J G Madden, Mr S J Cowan, Dr C K Cowan, Mrs R Cain, Mr FJ Cain, Mr P A Moroney, Mr E Vaughan, Vermont Racing Club and Ballymore Stables (Aust) Pty Ltd.