Magnufighter brave in photo-finish loss
CAIRNS-OWNED Magnufighter will be a horse to watch over the summer following a sharp first-up second in the $75,000 Colts, Geldings and Entires Benchmark 85 Handicap at Doomben on Saturday.
Going around for the first time since late June, the fouryear-old bay fought all the way to the line but was beaten in a photo-finish by Tawfiq Boy over 1350m. With connections such as former Cairns Jockey Club president John Piccone and Advance Cairns’ chief executive Nick Trompf, Magnufighter’s trainer Gary Duncan is hopeful of a promising summer campaign.
“There are a few nice races for him in the summer series in Brisbane, there is some good, decent races that he can get in,” Duncan said.
“We will look to that and a race or two there and then hopefully there will be something for him come to the Magic Millions.
“There is good prizemoney over the summer series in Brisbane this year, over a mile maybe or a little bit further. “They should suit him well.” Duncan, formerly Atherton-based before relocating to the Sunshine Coast, believes Magnufighter could be set for a few staying races, but is yet to win over more than 1350m through 15 starts.
“He will want a mile or beyond, but we are not sure how much beyond yet,” Duncan said. “I am pretty sure he will get 2000m, I am not sure he will get any further, but a mile to 2000m is what he can do for sure.
“He is pretty good and jockey Dale Smith was pretty happy with his run on Saturday.”
Magnufighter, by Magnus out of Le Bel Away, was purchased for $85,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and has career earnings of $148,750.
Closer to home, north Queensland hoop Ngarie Nelson rode a double across the five non-TAB events at Burdekin Race Club on Saturday.
Nelson book ended the card, winning the first and last race for trainer Rick Nelson.