Why Robbie Loves Magnus

Mark Smith - Friday February 1

Back in October last year Robbie Griffiths claimed that he had trained 16 horses by Magnus and all were winners - you can add at least one more to the tally after pint-sized chestnut filly Magnicity broke her maiden over 1000 metres at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Advertisement


Making her first start in 12 weeks after a pair of midfield efforts at Caulfield in the Listed Inglis Debutant Stakes and Flemington in the Group III Ottawa Stakes in her first preparation, Magnicity had the unenviable task of taking the field up to Godolphin's speedball Vivaro.

Under pressure well before the home turn, Magnicity did not flinch under hard riding by Jye McNeil to edge Vivaro (Exceed And Excel) by three-quarters of a length with Sayumi (Sebring) a short-neck back in third.

"It was a really good effort because she came here off one soft trial and we chased a really strong speed," McNeil said.

"I thought she toughed it out really well to the line.

"I don't see a lot of difference with her physically, she might be a little stronger but she is still very small, but she is a very strong-minded horse and very good-natured, that's a key for her."

The daughter of Magnus was purchased by Griffiths Racing / CB Bloodstock for $70,000 from the Edinburgh Park draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale after Edinburgh Park has pinhooked her for $40,000 at the 2017 Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale.

A three-quarter sister to Listed ATC James Carr Stakes winner Missy Cummings (Magnus), Magnicity is the third foal and first winner out of the 4-time winning Exceed And Excel mare A City Girl who is a daughter of the triple Listed stakes-winner Lady Knockout (Serheed).

One of Victoria's most popular stallions, Group 1 Galaxy Stakes winner Magnus covered 159 mares at Sun Stud last spring at a fee of $19,800.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Group Two Winner for Magnus
Sun Stud’s Magnus started the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington on a winning note when his progressive sprinter Kemalpasa made light of the wet conditions to score a stylish win in the Group II VRC Linlithgow Stakes (1200m), a race won by his sire back in 2006 when it was known as The Age Classic.
Kemalpasa Takes Revenge on Behemoth in Durbridge Stakes
Two of South Australia’s finest faced off for the second time in the Listed Durbridge Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on Saturday and it was Kemalpasa who reversed the decision over his old foe Behemoth.
$325,000 for Three-Quarter Brother to G1 Winner Skybird
A year ago at Flemington this Saturday, brilliant sprinter Skybird scored a dominant win in the Group I VRC Lightning Stakes and at the Inglis Classic Sale on Monday HP Thoroughbreds sold her three-quarter brother by Pierro for $325,000.
Sires With Winners - Monday February 9
Here is the full list of 22 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Tassie Stakes Double for Ready to Run Graduate
Karaka graduate Dad And Dave (NZ) (Time Test) added Friday’s A$150,000 Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) at Hobart to his victory in last month’s A$125,000 Listed Launceston Guineas (2000m), becoming only the seventh horse to complete that Tasmanian feature double.
Smooth Sailing for Magnus's Halvorsen in Standish Handicap
Robbie Griffiths has not been in the best of health in recent times but if he needed a pick-me-up he found it with his homebred Magnus gelding Halvorsen who had the honour of being the first stakes-winner in Australia in 2020 when he powered to victory in the Group III Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.
$350,000 for Justify Colt – Brother to G3 Winner Just Feelin’ Lucky
Leading international sire Justify (USA) has some lovely Australian bred yearlings being offered at sales this year and Lime Country Thoroughbreds were well rewarded when their colt from blueblood Pierro mare Phylicia sold for $350,000 at Inglis Classic on Monday.
$540,000 Brother to Stretan Angel Tops Inglis Classic Day 2
A brother to G2 winner Stretan Angel topped Day 2 of the Classic Yearling Sale, realising a to-date sale high $540,000.
Tara Talks Racing - 2YOs Are They Any Good?
This week we're talking two year-olds, four new juvenile stakes-winners last Saturday, but are any of them much good? Also Godolphin and their embarrassment of riches in the 3YO department.
Patience Rewarded for Ocean Park Filly
Late bloomer Autumn Glory has shown the benefit of careful handling with her emergence as a serious Classic contender.