Mufhasa Takes 20th Victory

The evergreen galloper (King) Mufhasa (NZ) took the 20th win of his remarkable career on Saturday with a commanding victory in the $70,000 Group 3 Tod Seeds Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m).

Trained by Stephen McKee, Mufhasa (Pentire x Sheila Cheval) has had another top season winning the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate in the spring but came into Saturday’s Group 3 after running fourth in the Listed Tauranga Stakes and second equal in the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes at his last start.

Mufhasa has a half-brother at Karaka 2013 by Zabeel

With the combination of a better track – with Saturday’s footing rated a good 3 – and coming back in distance from the mile to 1400 metres, Mufhasa was at his best with jockey Sam Spratt in the saddle, leading the field and racing away in the straight to win by a dominant two-and-a-half lengths.

Connections outlined that they will now decide whether the eight-year-old remains in New Zealand or heads to Australia for the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes.

Karaka graduates took the race quinella with Better Than Ever (French Deputy x Songfest) putting in a tough performance to take second place for trainer Jason Bridgman. Formerly raced in Singapore where he went unbeaten in 12 starts including all three legs of Singapore’s Triple Crown, Better Than Ever has not raced since May where he bled at his last start in Singapore.

Raced by prominent Singapore owner Tang Weng Fei – who also races Warhorse and Catalonia in New Zealand – Better Than Ever looks on track for a big season in New Zealand.

Mufhasa was bred by Colin and John Thompson and was purchased by David Archer at the 2006 Karaka Select Sale from Rich Hill Stud for $50,000. Raced by David with Natalie and Simon Archer and Mrs DJ Wright, Mufhasa has now earned in excess of $3.4 million.

Rich Hill Stud will offer a half-brother to Mufhasa by Zabeel at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2013 Karaka Premier Sale at Lot 339.

Rich Hill Stud will offer a draft of 53 yearlings at Karaka 2013 including 18 yearlings by their resident sire Pentire. Click on the links to view the Stud’s Premier, Select & Festival Sale drafts.