After making a sweeping run to hit the front at the 300m, the Tarzino gelding Jungle Magnate kept up a relentless gallop to capture Saturday's $500,000 Group 1 Thomas Farms South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville.
Completing a profitable day for rider Mark Zahra and trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Jungle Magnate defeated Yaphet (Blackfriars) by one and three-quarter lengths with a further three-quarter length to Detonator Jack (Jackleberry).
The favourite Alegron (Teofilo) finished fourth.
Price said it was special that the winner is a son of his Victoria Derby winner Tarzino.
&quo
"That stallion is doing a good job. He was a bit unlucky that Doc Lawler's Gypsy Goddess didn't win a Group 1. We have a few by him that go good. This time next year we will have a big strong Tarzino back here.
'When (Jungle Magnate) won his first start over 1400m I thought we could win a Guineas with him. When he ran in the VRC Derby he had had enough and was on his way down.
"We had him pegged right this time in. he had a good spell, a good prep, and had a circle around this race as his peak point.
"He (Zahra) is one of Australia's best Group 1 riders. There are about five of them, and he is one.
“I never want to go too far with my horses. My first thought is to put him out now.”
Purchased by Mick Price Racing and Breeding for $75,000 out of the Westbury Stud draft at the NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, Jungle Magnate is the first foal of the Casino Prince mare The Love Of Money.
A half-sister to Outstanding View (Romarin), A Group 1 winner in Brazil, and the Listed Grafton Cup winner First Crush (Husson), The Love Of Money failed to place in her two career starts.
Her dam, Loving View (Choctaw Ridge), was the Champion 3YO Filly in Brazil in 2004-05 where her four ins included the Group 1 Cidade Jardim G.P. Barao de Piracicaba and Group 1 G.P. Diana.
Tarzino stands at Westbury Stud in 2022 for a fee of $15,000.
