Charles Dickens added to his burgeoning reputation when destroying
quality opposition in the G1 Cape Guineas to extend his unbeaten
sequence to six victories. The truly exceptional son of Trippi is trained by
Candice Bass Robinson and was ridden by Aldo Domeyer. He started deep
in the red at 5/10 and won by four lengths from Cousin Casey (s/s 107),
who pipped At My Command (s/s 107) for second place.
These are the adjusted speed figures the champ has earned at each
successive career start, together with sectional upgrades where
applicable: 101 104 89++ 112 111 + and now 120! This Cape Guineas
tour-de force propels him into an elite realm of SA thoroughbred legends.
It would be fascinating to do a deep-dive into stride analysis for a freaky
good horse such as Charles Dickens. Technology exists to measure both
stride length and cadence which would enhance our appreciation of this
world class natural talent. Based on the towering speed figures he hasrecorded he is already up there with greats of the SA turf, and he’s
achieved these feats at two and three years of age when not yet fully
mature – and without being really extended! Remarkable!!
Piere Strydom partnered Nexus (s/s 102) in the G2 Peninsula Handicap
and the veteran duo caused a boilover at 50/1 when outrunning market
springer, Imilenzeyokududuma after racing handily throughout. Nexus
is a seven-year-old Dynasty gelding that Strydom gets the best out of,
and trainer Snaith also deserves credit for extracting nine wins from 31
starts from the still zesty stalwart.
Defending champ, Marina looked to again be the answer in the G3
Victress Stakes and she duly romped. She would have preferred a
stronger pace to aim at, but her class edge proved decisive. The Bass
Robinson trained mare will next try record a deserved G1 success in the
Paddock Stakes over the same 1800m course and distance as the
Victress.
Love in Winter (s/s 102) kept his unbeaten record in an MR 92 handicap
on the Guineas undercard. It was yet another fluent victory by the
sprinting son of What a Winter for passionate owners, the Kalunga family.
Trainer Marshall says the horse shows little at work but brings his best
form to the races where it counts. Love in Winter has now won four from
four and is worth following with close interest.