Jet Dark (speed score 110+) confirmed the merit of his Queen’s Plate victory over high class older horse, Rainbow Bridge, when winning the G1 Champions Cup at Greyville on Saturday at a distance of 1800m. He produced a big finish in the centre of the track to defeat a consistent and gallant contemporary in Catchtwentytwo (s/s 109) with Do It Again (s/s 109) and Got the Greenlight next (s/s 107).
Jet Dark is a three year-old Trippi colt who has now won five of his nine starts. He can be a bit fierce in his races but there is no denying Justin Snaith runners’’ ability to finish powerfully in top level contests – hence a fully merited second Grade 1 success which, together with a previous tough beat in the Cape Guineas, makes Jet Dark a worthy champion!
Pearl of Asia (s/s 103 ++) sprung a surprise in the 1200m G1 Mercury Sprint coming from last to pip poorly drawn, Al Sakeet who also surged from near the back of the field. MK’s Pride and Ultra Magnus were nearby in the placings.
Pearl of Asia had run quite well in the Merchants getting a speed figure of 105+ despite being hampered, but was a 66/1 long shot based on his overall record which seemed to fall short of what it takes to win a Grade 1 sprint. With some of the principals underperforming though, the son of Pathfork took advantage to score a legitimate victory here, finishing like a bullet, (final 300m – wire ratio of 108%). He is trained by former jockey, Robbie Hill.
She’s a Keeper was mighty impressive in the G2 Gold Bracelet. She sat chilly on the rail before bursting clear in the straight in a totally dominant performance. Her speed figure of 105 can be upgraded given the exceptionally fast come home sectional she recorded. This Gimmethegreenlight filly is a serious talent who looks a Grade 1 winner- in- waiting.
Nebraas won the 3200m Gold Cup; this historic stayers race is now deemed only a G3 event. He worked out a good trip from a wide draw, sitting quite handy and making his move under an astute Lyle Hewitson at precisely the right moment. The son of Vercingetorix is trained by Sean Tarry.
Silver Host was desperately stiff a neck back in second – he was forced to switch at a crucial stage when making his run towards the outer. That he was really motoring in the final stages is confirmed by a finishing ratio of 111% yet that dreaded Greyville traffic jam caused him to fall frustratingly short – such are the fickle vagaries of racing!
The two G1 juvenile races were won by Rain in Holland (Sean Tarry) and Good Traveller (conditioner, Glen Kotzen). Both these 1600m events went slow early so the form may not prove that reliable. Rain in Holland, a hot favourite for the Thekwini Stakes, just got up after looking sunk halfway down the straight, to the relief of many big bettors who made Japan bound, Lyle Hewitson’s mount the day’s “racing certainty”.
In the colts Premier’s Champion Stakes, Good Traveller was well handled by Grant van Niekerk to overcome a wide draw and kick at the right time. Honokalani was yet another silver medalist to emerge with credit, powering home from a hopeless position.