Mufhasa Grabs Sixth Group One

Saturday, 27 August 2011 05:59

Veteran gelding Mufhasa produced his trademark on-pace effort to claim his sixth Group One success in New Zealand on Saturday, defeating a number of Melbourne spring carnival hopefuls.

Mufhasa sat on the speed in the 1400m Group One Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hastings and kicked away in the straight to defeat multiple Group One winner Jimmy Choux by 1-3/4 lengths with Fleur De Lune another 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady, who is being prepared for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups this spring, was doing her best work late to finish seventh after settling at the back of the field early.

Last year's Group One Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer was having his first start since winning the Classic at Flemington 43 weeks ago and came in fourth, while favourite Wall Street finished 11th.

Mufhasa, who races as King Mufhasa in Australia, was returning from a spell and notched his sixth victory at the highest level and his third this year after claiming the Telegraph Handicap in January and Waikato Sprint in February.

The seven-year-old settled just off the leader Fleur De Lune during the run before taking over in the straight.

He kicked away from the classy field and had enough of a break to hold out New Zealand Derby and Rosehill Guineas winner Jimmy Choux, who produced an eye-catching first-up effort as he emerged from the pack over the final 200m and charged to the line.

Jimmy Choux is being aimed at the Cox Plate this spring.