Defending champ, Dave the King got a perfect set up to win the Gr1 Gold Challenge again, but it was close run thing for the 16/10 favourite. A steady tempo, box seat position from a low draw and a clear run down the Greyville stretch, together with a tenacious finish helped secure a narrow victory for the M.M. de Kock trained galloper.
The speed figure after sectional upgrades was 107, a few ticks below his career top of 112. He was followed by last year’s Durban July victor, Oriental Charm (s/s 105) who enjoyed a smooth commute up front and had an ideal July prep over this shorter journey.
Gladatorian emerged with great credit as he came from practically last to get within a head in a blanket finish. Cosmic Speed, beaten with every chance, was equally close and best of the 3yo’s.
Sean Tarry has an exceptional record on big days – his charges seem to do particularly well when the stakes are highest. He saddled a resurgent Green Sapphire to win the G2 over 1400 for fillies and mares with her acceleration off a tepid early pace, again proving decisive.
Madison Valley needed to regain his Summer Cup form, where he attained a speed figure of 106, to have any hope in the Cup Trial and of perhaps, getting into the July. He duly did so, as a 33/1 long shot, putting some dreary recent runs well behind him, to beat off Underworld (s/s 100) & rounding- back- towards – a peak 3YO, On My Honour (s/s 99 ++) who ran admirably carrying 59kg’s.
Immediate Edge (s/s 104 +) was impressive with an emphatic score in the Jubilee at Turffontein on Sunday which should bring him into the July picture. The de Kock trained 3YO stalked the pace before moving though down the inner to win easing up from deep closer, Olivia’s Way (s/s 100.)
The Egoli Mile fell to Choisaanada who collared long time leader (and favourite) Confederate in the final couple of strides. Enrico Verdonesé’s runner achieved a speed score of 98, having run a 102 in December.
Choisaanada actually beat Immediate Edge in the Secretariat Stakes over 1400 last month so this was another smart performance and, some may look back in hindsight and see the 20/1 starting price as being pretty generous.