It’s always gratifying to see a brilliant horse that has lost his way – regain his mojo again. Such is the case with Cosmic Highway, outstanding amongst his generation as a juvenile and at three, before losing the winning thread.
Gelding has helped him gradually come back to form, though trainer Dean Kannemeyer would acknowledge it has taken plenty of time for the son of Gimmethegreenlight to regain confidence.
In Sunday’s G2 Cape Merchants @ Kenilworth, Cosmic Highway swept through from the back of the field under another inspired Craig Zackey ride (four salutes on the day) to snare Countdown (who had looked all over the winner) on the post.
Attention on Sunday morning was focused on the G1 action in Hong Kong. Junko (s/s 118) won the HK Vase over Zephiro; Lucky Sweynesse (s/s 103 + has run 114) lived up to his champion sprinter billing in the HK Sprint and Romantic Warrior (s/s 117) held off the cavalry in the HK Cup, which is quite a feat considering he’d just come back from winning big-time in Oz.
Arguably the highlight was Golden Sixty’s tour de force in the HK Mile. His exploits have been chronicled in this newsletter from time to time and the eight-year-old added yet another remarkable accolade to his stellar career. This was his 25th victory from 30 starts and not even drawing 14 nor returning from a spell could undermine him.
A superb miler who can accelerate like a champion sprinter is an awesome package in a genuine and determined thoroughbred. Those attributes are what make him truly world class. The Hong Kong hero ran a figure of 118, close to the best (s/s 121) he achieved when younger and in his absolute prime. What an amazing racehorse!