The time honoured Snaith philosophy of patience and planning was in evidence again at Durbanville on Saturday when the progressive stayer Magnificent Seven registered a first stakes success and confirmed his progress up the ladder.
An easy victory for Magnificent Seven (Richard Fouire) in the Durbanville feature (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
“Give him another five months and then you will see an even better horse,” a thrilled breeder James Armitage told the Sporting Post after his R140 000 KZN Yearling Sale graduate had mowed down the opposition to win the R150 000 Listed Settlers Trophy at a sun-drenched Durbanville.
“He was a big, gangly and athletic colt, and it was clear that he would need time. He has furnished beautifully but he has only just turned four and is going to get stronger. He is not really suited to the Durbanville home straight, and I liked the way he led, then relaxed and kicked on. I am thrilled for Justin (Snaith) and owner Nic Jonsson. They have a lovely horse on their hands for the SA Champions Season too, I would think.”
James has had plenty of success – the exciting Adam Marcus filly Brave Move comes to mind – with the progeny of the ill-fated champion, Horse Chestnut.
“I felt that he was the best value-for-money sire of the time and he was a real loss to the industry. But Magnificent Seven will give his connections plenty of fun and I am very thrilled for Sandown Stud to register an early stakes success.”
After Red Peril had led the way for most of the race, Magnificent Seven looked to be caught slightly flat-footed as Anthony Andrew shrewdly skipped on Sister Soozie at the 300m.
But Magnificent Seven showed his class and ability, with Richard Fourie switching the crop from right to left as he urged the big chestnut.
Richard Fourie and Magnificent Seven are in control as Ballad Of The Sea (Athandiwe Mgudlwa) chases in vain (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
Inside the last 150m he found full stride and went away to beat Cape Winter Derby third-placer Ballad Of The Sea by 1,50 lengths in a time of 152,97 secs, with Sister Soozie a well beaten third.
The 2017 Settlers Trophy winner and pacemaker Red Peril faded out in the home stretch to finish well downfield.
A R140 000 KZN Yearling Sale graduate, Magnificent Seven has won 5 races (all in his last 6 starts!) with 5 places from 14 runs for stakes of R381 200.
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.
He is one for the notebook.
