aaron_bain | Aaron Bain News 60333 Mighty Sapphire

Mighty Sapphire unleashed a powerful sprint to score a comfortable victory at Morphettville Parks on Saturday, November 9.

Strong in the market a $3.60, Mighty Sapphire extended strongly over the final 200 metres to win the Sportsbet Set A Deposit Limit Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m).

Ridden by Manoel Nunes, who rode his first winner for ABR on Thursday, the five-year-old won by two lengths from Never Surrender ($9.50) with Chakado ($2.90 fav) a short half head away third.

From his wide draw of nine, Nunes was happy to get the gelding into a rhythm but had to settle wide just behind midfield.

From the 600 metres, the runner on Mighty Sapphire’s inside tried to push him wider but Nunes’ strength was crucial in holding his ground.

Once balanced in the home straight, he accelerated in brilliant fashion to round up the leaders and win easily.

Trainer Aaron Bain said it had been a great win by Mighty Sapphire.

“It was a fitting reward for patience with the horse from the ownership group,” Bain said.

“He was very well ridden today by Manoel Nunes.

“There was a bit or argy-bargy going on back in the field and he had to hold his spot.

“On the point of the turn they tried to come out right underneath him but he weas able to hold his line around the bend.

“The horse did as good job as he was wide for a long way.

“He took a while to wind up but let down really well in the straight.

“Mighty Sapphire relished the chance to step out to 1400 metres today.

“Even when he went past them I think he had a gear or two left.

“He won quite convincingly in the end, quite soft.”

Bain said there were a number of options ahead, but he was confident there were more wins in store.

 Winning jockey Manoel Nunes was impressed by Mighty Sapphire’s win.

“It was a good win,” Nunes said.

“I was four or five deep but with some cover.

“The horse on my inside was trying to push me out of the way so I had to keep my horse’s position.

“He was very brave and won quite comfortably.”