We are proud to celebrate the win of MAGNUS RUFUS at Sale on Sunday, yet another winning product bred by Ross Wilkinson and Sandra Lawrence.
Stepping out for his fourth start after two very encouraging runs at Kilmore (4th) and Mornington (4th), Magnus Rufus paraded a more seasoned campaigner and ready to improve further. Nigel held a reasonable level of confidence in this son of Magnus, suggesting earlier in the program on racing.com that he was the stable’s best winning chance on the day.
Linda Meech was selected for the ride, with Nigel and owner Ross Wilkinson keen to see their three-year-old gelding up near the pace and benefited from the more modest tempo of a 1400m event. With no other runner keen to take the front-running position early in there race, Linda simply let Magnus Rufus stroll to the lead without pressure. This is one of her strengths, getting a horse to settle in or near the lead and relaxing.
From the 1000m point we must say it was easy viewing, as Linda and Magnus Rufus built momentum to the home turn and kicked strongly in the straight to win the Duarts Homestead 3yo Maiden.
Here is the race replay.
.@NigelBlackiston is right on the money as his best runner for the day, Magnus Rufus, leads all the way.
RECAP: https://t.co/PnFUvq1xbb pic.twitter.com/0OgmjlWkyb
— Racing.com (@Racing) July 1, 2018
Ross Wilkinson continues his and Sandra Lawrence’s love of breeding and racing. Sadly no longer with us, Sandra’s legacy lives on with all the horses Ross now races.
Magnus Rufus was bred by Ross and Sandra, being out of CANNY ROUGE. Both half-siblings of Magnus Rufus are also winners – Redinsky and Nordic Red. So Canny Rouge is doing a great job in the breeding barn.
In case you are wondering, “Rufus” is an ancient roman name meaning “red”, but commonly used to describe a red-head. As is his custom and as per siblings Redinsky and Nordic Red, Ross puts some thought into the names of his horses!
He’s a good judge @NigelBlackiston.
Magnus Rufus is tipped an hour earlier and duly salutes for the trainer.
Who managed to follow? ✋ pic.twitter.com/RYcKdiRWNj
— Racing.com (@Racing) July 1, 2018
