New Zealand star King Mufhasa broke through for his first win in Australia when he fought on doggedly to claim the Group One Toorak Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.
Carrying equal topweight of 58kg in the 1600m feature and ridden by Michael Rodd, the six-time Group One winner in his homeland was always on the pace and comfortably held off the late challenges of the Peter Moody-trained stablemates King’s Rose and Luen Yat Forever who were second and third respectively.
Winning trainer Stephen McKee was a relieved man after King Mufhasa posted his 16th win in 45 starts for prize money in excess of $2.2 million.
“I’m glad to get the monkey off his back today,” he said.
“He’s finally been able to put his best foot forward.”
Rodd described King Mufhasa as “just like a good old warhorse”.
“He held them (placegetters) comfortably, I reckon,” he said.
AAP TURF