Far from showing he is in the twilight of his career, durable New Zealander King Mufhasa has reached new heights as a seven-year-old.
The winner of seven Group One races at home and the champion racehorse of 2008-09, King Mufhasa has enhanced his record with two Group One victories in the Toorak Handicap and Futurity Stakes in Australia this season.
But he still has some unfinished business in Sydney on Saturday when he lines up in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) for the fourth time looking for his first win in the weight-for-age feature.
In 2009, he finished third to Vision And Power on a heavy track, a year later he was third again on slow going when it was won by Danleigh and last year he ran out of the money on dead ground.
But this time around it seems he will get his preferred firm conditions with trainer Stephen McKee optimistic.
“I’d like to see him go out on a winning note in Sydney because this autumn may be the last time he races there,” McKee said.
“I’m hoping the weather holds. He ran third on the heavy the first time but it’s not what he likes.
“He is fit and well and has shown that.
“I’m glad he finally got the chance to show Australia how good he is.”
Nash Rawiller, who rode King Mufhasa to win the Futurity (1400m) at his most recent start in February, has the mount on Saturday.
The George Ryder attracted a crack field of 17 with King Mufhasa to jump from barrier seven.
As well as his two Group One wins in Melbourne this season, King Mufhasa has racked up another two across the Tasman.
McKee said he believed the reason for King Mufhasa’s rich vein of form was his new-found maturity.
“He’s had a few problems off and on but he’s fully mature now,” he said.
“He used to be very excitable around the place but he’s settled down and is much easier to manage and control.”
Last Saturday’s Ajax Stakes winner Niagara was the early $5 favourite in TAB Sportsbet’s first markets ahead of King Mufhasa at $6 with Love Conquers All at $7 and Secret Admirer $8.50.
Although McKee believes King Mufhasa can keep racing on next season as long as he is sound, he may not be doing too much more travelling.
But if he wins or at least races well on Saturday, McKee will consider a return trip for the All-Aged Stakes (1400m) three weeks later.
