The 2018 Algoa Cup winner Magnificent Seven showed that he will be a factor in the SA Champions Season staying features later this year when he outgunned his opposition to win the R400 000 New Turf Carriers Gr2 Stayers at Kenilworth on Saturday.
Bernard Fayd’herbe and Magnificent Seven dwarf Dynasty’s Blossom i(Donovan Dillon)in the rush for the wire (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
There were some stamina doubts about the 4yo Horse Chestnut gelding’s ability to go the 2800m, but consistent galloper demonstrated the long legs required.
Tucked in midfield as Let It Rain and Walter Smoothie showed the way, Fayd’herbe brought Magnificent Seven up the outside rail at the 250m with a sustained run and despite a threat from the Ramsden filly Dynasty’s Blossom late in the race, Magnificent Seven was too strong and he went on to win by 0,40 lengths in a time of 179,92 secs.
The winner’s more fancied stablemate Strathdon was given too much to do and finished with a rattle to secure third 1,25 lengths behind Dynasty’s Blossom.
Cedar Man, who was thereabouts all the way, stayed on well enough for fourth and shaded Gimme One Night – another who came from miles back.
A R140 000 KZN Yearling Sale graduate, Magnificent Seven races in the colours of Durban July winning owner Nic Jonsson and has won 4 In a row – this being his second consecutive stakes success – with 7 wins 5 places from 17 starts for stakes of R849 950.
Bred by James Armitage, the winner is by Horse Chestnut (Fort Wood) out of the unraced Model Man mare, Kartanya – a full sister to Pratique.
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Gr2 Stayers (SAf-Gr2)
Kenilworth, South Africa, January 26, R400k, 2800m, turf, good, 2.59.92
1 – MAGNIFICENT SEVEN (SAF), 57.5, ch g 4, Horse Chestnut (SAF) – Kartanya (SAF) by Model Man (SAF). Owner Mr N Jonsson; Breeder GJ Armitage; trainer J Snaith; jockey B Fayd’herbe
2 – Dynasty’s Blossom (SAF), 55.0, b f 4, Dynasty (SAF) – Crimson Blossom (IRE) by Danehill Dancer (IRE)
3 – Strathdon (SAF), 59.0, ch g 5, Silvano (GER) – Wintersweet (SAF) by Western Winter (USA)
Margins: 0.40, 1.25, 2.00
