MAGNUS’ MAGIC KINGDOM

Magnus 3YO, Platinum Kingdom, had the odds stacked against him at Randwick today.

First run in Australia … carrying topweight of 58 kilos … dropping back three furlongs … a heavy surface … and some highly rated opposition.

And, to make matters worse, Platinum Kingdom shied badly in the closing stages and looked at one stage as if he’d end up in the grandstand.

But the highly promising Kiwi ended up prevailing by a length plus change in the Listed McGrath Estate Agents South Pacific Classic over 1400m, notching up his fourth stakes victory – an eighth overall – for trainer Lisa Latta.

Becoming Magnus’ first stakes winner by taking out the Champagne Classic-LR last season at two, Platinum Kingdom is at the vanguard of what appears to be his sires’ penchant for producing horses that train on.

Since resuming in January, Platinum Kingdom has raced seven times for four victories – three of those at stakes level – a Listed third and at his most recent start prior to coming to Australia, a neck third in the Group Three Manawatu Classic.

Platinum Kingdom’s sire, Magnus is hovering near the lead of the Australian Second Season Sires’ chart (by winners) – which will be bolstered by his speedy son’s heady display at Randwick.

Despite having raced in New Zealand prior to today’s effort, Platinum Kingdom was bred in Western Australia and is out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Miss Rangoon.

Based on his effort at Randwick, he clearly has a big future on this side of the ditch.