The Nick Ryan-trained Mahamedeis is rapidly closing in on becoming the fifth millionaire for Sun Stud’s Magnus following a second win in the space of seven days when carrying topweight to a hard fought victory in Saturday’s Vale Rob Gaylard Handicap (2020m) at Moonee Valley.
With Tavirun setting up a dominant lead rounding the home turn, Mahamedeis came with a well-timed finish under Rhys McLeod to defeat Damian Lane on Polly Grey by a short-neck, who made her run with the winner, with Tavirun a further half-length back in third.
Ryan paid tribute to the toughness of Mahamedeis who was coming off a win at Caulfield last Saturday.
"I'm actually pretty speechless, I'm really pumped,” Ryan said.
“That was his tenth win and he’s banging on the million dollar mark.
“It was truly run, that is what we wanted, and Rhys rode him perfectly and got the job done.
“I knew he would be strong late. He was coming off 2400m last week so he is rock-hard fit and everything dell into place, which he needed it too and we got the result.”
The 6yo son of Magnus advances his record to 10 wins 5 seconds and 2 thirds from 37 starts with earnings of $902,490.
Bred by Rick & Christie Woodard, Mahamedeis was a $24,000 purchase by JJ Gordon Bloodstock Consultants at the Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale.
He is the fourth foal and third winner for the Elusive Quality (USA) mare Elusive Magic who is a half-sister to the outstanding Casual pass Snippets) whose seven wins included the Group 1 LKS Mackinnon takes and Group 1 Yalumba Stakes.
Now owned by Tasmanian-based breeder Saskia van Lulofs Umbgrove, Elusive Magic has had a troubled history of late. She did not have a live foal since Mahamedeis until producing a full-sister to the near $1 million earner last spring. She was not covered last year.
The $1 million Magnus club consists of a quartet of Group 1 winners, Malaguerra, Magnifisio, Streets Of Avalon and Great Shot.
A close relation of Black Caviar and All Too Hard, Magnus stands at Sun Stud this season at a fee of $15,400 inc. GST.
