Seven-year-old raider Harlem has claimed a second-straight Australian Cup, racing home at the $41.00 price to win narrowly at Flemington.

Just like last year, Harlem was unfound in a classy field comprising of Godolphin $1.65 favourite Avilius. Not only did the veteran gelding claim back-to-back wins, he also earned the Lindsay Park stable their fifth Australian Cup win.

“He’s a real target horse, does well at the 2000m at Flemington. Great ride by Jamie, he’s drawn wide, and it was a huge thrill, I love the fight he showed” trainer David Hayes said after the race.

“Those good horses on good days step up, just gotta get them in good form and running, and Jamie (Kah) gave him an 11/10 ride.”

Kah was phenomenal on Saturday, especially with second place-getter Shillelagh flashing down the outside. The champion South Australian rider has enjoyed some impressive wins since moving to Victoria, and admits she always knew Harlem was a chance after finding a strong position in the early goings of the race.

“She jumped perfectly, I always wanted to be on the rails. She traveled amazingly, on the turn he was cruising, almost too well, I just wanted to wait a bit longer, and he hit the front, and I knew he was going to be in it for the fight, it was unbelievable” Kah said.

The plan ahead for Harlem looks to be a trip to Sydney, and even though Hayes wishes to avoid Winx at all costs, he’s still toying with the idea of challenging the mighty mare in next month’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

“We’ll be going to Sydney for for, probably try and go where Winx isn’t” Hayes said.

“I’d say probably the 2000m, which we’ll probably run into Winx, and the Queen Elizabeth. He’s a good competitive horse, better at 2000m than a mile and a half.”