Jet Dark (speed score 116) enjoyed the perfect send off to his outstanding racing career before going to Drakenstein Stud, when battling to victory in the Met, seeing off familiar foe, Kommetdieding with Pomp and Power running a remarkable race to be third.

In a messy contest run at a muddling pace, the high class, Jet Dark (by Trippi) stayed on with determination hard up against the outside rail to record yet another G1 win. It was a reversal of last year’s Met outcome when Kommetdieding prevailed narrowly.

There were many hard luck stories as the field clustered towards the grandstand running rail. One such victim was Rascallion – badly blocked in scrimmaging and beaten only two lengths. But perhaps the horse to take out the race is the rehabilitated, Pomp and Power who somehow managed to close from dead last to get third after being dropped out from draw 19 – a sterling achievement.

In terms of speed figures the victory by Gimme a Prince (s/s 113 +) over dramatically revived former champ Rio Querari (s/s 112) in the G1 Cape Flying Champs, stands out. Allowing for a sectional upgrade, the budding star that jockey Keagan de Melo describes as “a once in a lifetime horse,” could merit a fig as high as 118 which bears out de Melo’s glowing assessment.

Making it all the more notable is that 1000m is the lowest suitable distance for Gimme a Prince who will be at his absolute best over 1400/1600m – a scary prospect for future rivals.

Desert Miracle downed Captain’s Ransom in the G1 Majorca Stakes, outsprinting the defending champ (a rare event in itself.) in a slow run affair, she was expertly handled by Christophe Soumillon, renowned around the world as a master tactician.

The big money (R7.5 million) Gold Rush went to Royal Aussie (s/s 108), perfectly handled by Richard Fourie (who would later crack a string of seconds in the Met by skillfully piloting Jet Dark.)

The son of Royal Mo raced handy then kept going to hold out poorly drawn, Dave the King (s/s 107). It’srainingwilliam (s/s 106) and gambled on King Regent (s/s 105) also earned hefty stakes for their prospectors.