Magnus import The Alfonso earned a trip across the causeway to Hong Kong after winning the G3 Macau Sprint Trophy (1000m) on Sunday.

The Alfonso came from a long way back on the turn to power past River Bobo (Elusive City) and Healthy Life (Northern Meteor) in a blanket finish at Taipa.

He was racing first-up since winning the G1 Macau Derby (1800m) in April.  “I didn’t really consider him a winning chance over 1000 metres,” trainer Joe Lau said.  “I was thinking he would be running home well for maybe a nice fourth or fifth.

“He’s never won first-up in his life – even in Australia – but they went very hard and he is a class horse.”

Lau will set him for the G3 Hong Kong – Macau Trophy (1400m) at Sha Tin on March 6.

The Alfonso (5h Magnus – Princess Baxaar by Xaar) has earned $1.76 million (AUD 301,710) since arriving in Macau in February 2015.  He had won at Canterbury, Randwick and Warwick Farm for Chris Waller before shipping off-shore.

“They ran him off his legs early and I thought we might have left it a touch late,” jockey Andrew Calder admitted.  “He really got into stride the last 200 metres and has come back bigger and stronger.  He should have a great season.”

The Alfonso was passed-in for $30,000 when offered by Yallambee Stud as a yearling at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale but changed hands for $40,000 later that year at the Magic Millions HIT Sale.

Magnus (Flying Spur) sired him from Hanging Rock maiden winner Princess Baxaar.  She has also thrown winners by Denon & Written Tycoon and her final foal Jevilla (Reward For Effort) won a Perth juvenile in February.

Eliza Park International stands Magnus for a $17,600 (inc gst) service fee.

THE ALFONSO