Silver Magnate remains unbeaten at Sandown races

Grahame Begg remains convinced that Silver Magnate can eventually claim a prestigious race, though he continues to adopt a cautious approach with the gelding. The five-year-old secured his second career victory in Wednesday’s Sportsbet Fastform Handicap (1200m) at Sandown, over a year after his debut win on the Pakenham synthetic.

Sent out as the $3.30 favourite under Jordan Childs, Silver Magnate defeated Flying Valley ($10) by a length, with Some People Callme ($9.50) finishing third, two lengths behind. Begg noted that the Soft 5 track was ideal for Silver Magnate, who has battled joint problems for much of his career.

“The horse has got loads of ability, but he’s had a few issues along the way,” Begg said.

“He’s been very immature in the joints. Every time we would get him going, his joints would flare up and then we’d have to stop him.

“Time has been his friend and it still might be his friend as if we can keep him sound, I’m sure there is a good race in him.

“He’s a five-year-old, and that was just his second run in a race, but he has a lot of upside.”

Begg is in no rush to elevate Silver Magnate in grade, preferring to progress him gradually, as he did with King Zephyr earlier in the year. That horse won five of his first six starts before spelling after a Stakes race appearance.

“He wasn’t a cheap yearling and the ownership group has been very patient,” Begg said.

“Hopefully they will be rewarded.

“We’ll just take him through the grades, a bit like we did with King Zephyr and maybe we could aim him for the greys race during Melbourne Cup week.”

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