Mufhasa Back to Best in the Telegraph

The $1 million Group 1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph Handicap (1200m) at Trentham on Saturday attracted a star field of local and international talent, but it was the kiwi Mufhasa who proved too good for his rivals.

Jockey Sam Spratt kept Mufhasa (Pentire x Sheila Cheval) toward the back of the pack in transit and at the point of the turn emerged from the field on the outside rail and went for the post. Proving too strong over the concluding stages, Mufhasa ran down First Command and NZB graduate Coup Align to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

Trained by Stephen McKee, it was Mufhasa's second win in the Telegraph Handicap and his fourth win at Group 1 level. The six-year-old has now won a Group 1 race every season for the last three seasons and has taken his stakes earnings to over $2 million.

Owned by Mr D L Archer, Mr S C Archer, Miss N N Archer & Mrs D J Wright, co-owner David Archer was delighted with the win.

"It is such a thrill to see Mufhasa back to his best. He had some big problems last season with his hoof and associated leg complications, so to see him perform like he did was an amazing feeling.

"Coming into the race we were always hopeful, but his draw of 20 and the wet track were concerns. We were forced to change our tactics with the horse and run him from the back which we have never done before, and it worked. He showed a big turn of foot and raced really well. �

"Sam Spratt produced a brilliant ride; it was the best race she has ever ridden for us. Her patience and timing were absolutely spot on and we couldn't be happier."

Bred by C C E & J W Thompson and was bought by David Archer in the 2006 Karaka Select Sale from Rich Hill Stud for only $50,000, Mufhasa is the fifth individual Group 1 winning graduate from the Select Sale this season.

David Archer has bought a number of horses from the Karaka Sales and has struck an affinity with the Sheila Cheval family.

"We originally bought Belle Joie (Mellifont x Sheila Cheval) from the 2004 Festival Sale for $10,000 and she won six races for us, she was a good horse.

"In 2006 her half-brother (Mufhasa) was offered in the Select Sale. He was an outstanding yearling; he had good muscle and strong bone and was far more mature than Belle Joie was as a yearling, so I bought him for $50,000.

"We sent Belle Joie to Pentire in 2009 and she foaled a striking colt this season, he of course is a three-quarter brother to Mufhasa. I also bought another half-sister to Mufhasa, Keepa Cheval (Keeper), in 2008 for $135,000 from the Select Sale and she has already notched up her first win.

"We have bought numerous horses through the Select and Festival Sales including Gallions Reach, Grand Affair, Seven Schillings and Eight Schillings and I have had some wonderful success on the track."

Plans for the six-year-old are currently being discussed between Mufhasa's connections, but David would like to see the horse return to Australia.

"He has come through the race really well so, as long as he stays fit, he will likely head to the Group 1 Waikato Draught Sprint. From there we would love to see him go back to Australia.

"He has had two trips to the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes in Sydney and ran third both times to Vision and Power in 2009 and Danleigh last season. We would love to see him hold his form through to Easter and get a good track this time around, then we can see what he can really do."

The Karaka Select Sale will run from 2-4 February with selling commencing at 11am. To view the catalogue online complete with pedigree updates and photographs & videos of selective lots, please visit www.nzb.co.nz.