Khaki wins in first Melbourne appearance

Well-backed Godolphin three-year-old Khaki has made an encouraging introduction to Melbourne racing, taking the step from a Kembla Grange maiden to win stylishly at Flemington.

Khaki broke his maiden in convincing fashion in NSW last month in his first start of the campaign before the Godolphin team pinpointed Saturday’s Dorevitch Pathology Charity Plate for three-year-olds down the straight 1200m.

With in-form Craig Williams in the saddle, Khaki, having his fourth career start, settled back with cover before peeling into the clear on the outside from the 400m.

There were a line of horses across the track inside the 200m but Khaki, who had been well supported from $5 to $3.70 favourite, strode clear out wide to defeat last-start winner Invincible Al by 1-3/4 lengths with a short neck to Oak Door third.

“John and the team will be rapt with the way that he finished off that race,” Melbourne stable representative David Charles said.

“He’s a beautiful horse. And to come and win here on a Saturday is a fair effort off a maiden win.

“Where he goes, nobody knows. But he’s certainly heading in the right direction. And he’s a lovely individual.”

Khaki brought up a winning double for Williams after four-year-old Divine Mr Artie raced to a dominant first-up win earlier on the program.