Tawny Port lands US golden ticket Into the Cup

Trained by Miguel Clement, Tawny Port ($2.90) showed that a step up to the two miles at the historic Saratoga course made all the difference after finishing fourth in the Grade 2 Elkhorn Stakes (2414m) at Keeneland on April 18.

Ridden by 104-time Grade 1-winning jockey, Flavien Prat, Tawny Port made his winning claim at the 400-metre mark when Prat steered the gelding to the rail after race favourite Corruption ($2.50) weakened out after USA Hall of Famer John Velasquez Jnr made a bold move victory around 1000-metres from home.

"Miguel was confident and he said the distance would be his friend," Prat said of Clement's pre-race instructions.

"I've not been to Australia but I guess I'll go. It is still a long way to go but it is very exciting."

Clement commented pre-race that Tawny Port needed the run last start to top his Belmont Gold Cup preparation off.

"Going into the race, we were sure that he needed the run," Clement said.

"He's seven years old so he's not quite a spring chicken but I guess like French wine, he gets better with age."

The 35-year-old horseman is in the second full season of training after taking over the stable following the passing of his father, Christophe.

Parchment Party was again entered in the Gold Cup but would only take part if the race switched to the dirt course, as it did in 2025 after heavy rain deemed the turf course unsuitable. He won impressively in the sloppy conditions and took up the golden ticket opportunity, travelling to Australia, finishing 20th in the Lexus Melbourne Cup behind Half Yours.

Tawny Port clocked a winning time of 3:17.75 over the 3219m journey.