Magnus moved into double-figures when The River became his 10th stakes winner in the RL Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) on Sunday.

Sent out the $3 favourite against a crack field at Pinjarra, he made the most of a gun run to score by a length from Stored Energy (Alfred Nobel).  They dominated the finish with third placed The Celt (Planet Five) another four lengths in arrears.

The River (2g Magnus – Jestceny by Real Jester) is a half-brother to city winners Jest Envy Her and Jestpatim.  He was bred by Darling View Thoroughbreds and sold through Western Breeders Alliance for $115,000 at the 2015 Perth Magic Millions.

The Magic Millions pay-day boosted his earnings to $224,700.  “I was confident after he worked this week and drawing a barrier also helped,” trainer Trevor Andrews said.  “He’s a lovely horse and this justified paying that money for him last year.

“He looked sharp as a yearling and he looked sharp today.  We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves but he will go to the paddock and freshen up for the Karrakatta.”

The G2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) is worth $500,000 and is set down for April 2 at Ascot.  Andrews completed the Magic Millions Classic – Karrakatta Plate double last year with Lucky Street.

Winning jockey Shaun Mc Gruddy said there was a touch of arrogance about the way The River dealt with the opposition.  “At the top of the straight I knew I didn’t need the stick.  I just shook him up and he did the rest.

“He was pretty raw when he first came on the scene but Trevor has schooled him well.  He’s a real professional now.”

Magnus (Fying Spur) stands at Eliza Park International and he has 10 yearlings nominated for the Melbourne Premier Sale commencing on February 28.

THE RIVER
Photo / Western Racepix