MAGNUS ROCKS

When you’re right, you’re right! Pedigree buffs have been touting the likely success of the ‘reverse cross’ with promising first season sire, Magnus, and his Champion stablemate, Bel Esprit.

Bel, of course, is the sire of racing superstar Black Caviar, who – in turn – is out of a half sister to Group One winning sprinter, Magnus.

Well, at Seymour on Saturday, the ‘flip side’ was put to the test with the debut effort of Magnus youngster, Ride A Rock Horse, who cleaned up over 1100m at Seymour, winning by two and a half lengths. Huge effort.

Ride A Rock Horse is out McCune, an unraced daughter of stakes winner and Melbourne Cup runnerup Lisa’s Game, who also happens to be only the second runner for Bel Esprit as a broodmare sire (the other, Lottie’s Lady [ex. Witty Carlotta] has won two and placed on three occasions from just seven starts).

And full marks to Peter Moody, who not only trains Ride A Rock Horse, but is also the breeder …

A fair helping of kismet there given that Peter not only trains what is arguably the greatest racehorse to ever step onto a track, he also put the polish on Magnus!

Magnus has now produced four winners and three stakes placegetters from just 10 runners – indeed, nine of them have earned a cheque – with Magnus’ progeny earnings now at $222,830 in Australia where he sits fourth on the First Crop Sires’ list.