Fresh off an impressive win against Open company in a Hanover Stakes event last time out, William Wright and Mystical Marker Farms' King Mufasa returned to state-bred competition last night at Balmoral Park in Illinois.
The gelding reigned supreme once again on Sunday night, as he cruised to an easy four and a quarter-length victory in a career best 1:54.1 in capturing the $12,000 Brandenburg Stakes.
Confidently handled by driver Mike Oosting, the son of Powerful Emotion—Foxy N Diamonds was eased away from the gate and eventually settling in fifth as Show Stopin Monkey (driven by Ronnie Gillespie) led the field through an opening quarter of :27.4.
Making his way towards the front with a big first-over brush, Oosting had King Mufasa up to third as Show Stopin Monkey continued to show the way past the half-mile mark in :57.4.
Moving like a freight train as the field headed around the far turn, the Mike Brink trainee zipped right past the pacesetter. From there, the divisional leader in 2013 was in complete control of the proceedings as he cruised by the three-quarter-mile mark in 1:26.1.
Effortlessly increasing his advantage as the field raced through the stretch, King Mufasa was under wraps as he trotted home in :28 to notch his sixth win in seven starts this season. Semper Fit (Dave Magee) staged a mild rally to finish second, while Skyline Road (Casey Leonard) finished third.
Coupled in the wagering with Skyline Road, King Mufasa returned just $2.20 and $2.10 while upping his career bankroll to $79,452 for his proud connections.
(Balmoral)