Mark van Deventer
Disregarded in the betting market at 28-1, Gold Standard swept past the entire field in the Kenilworth straight to score a tremendous win in the 1600m Grade 2 Selangor Cup at Kenilworth over the weekend. The race has historically been used as a key pointer to important Classics like the Guineas and Derby.
“Gold Standard is a proper horse and I’ve always rated him,” said proud trainer Glen Kotzen. “He has great mannerisms, a big action, and just does not like to get beat.” The Paarl based trainer knows a thing or two about handling high quality thoroughbreds – for example Durban July victor, Big City Life and Dubai- bound, Light the Lights won the same feature race in Port Elizabeth that Kotzen used as Gold Standard’s stepping stone.
The decision to raid PE was well conceived. “We wanted to qualify him for upcoming races and use the long run in at Fairview as he is the sort of horse that needs time to unwind.” Then prior to the Selangor, Kotzen subjected the son of Trippi to a series of short, sharp works and he came out in fine fettle to run an exceptional race on the old course with a quick 470m straight.
The early fractions were torrid, leading to a complete pace meltdown. The handy horses were wobbling a long way out and it teed things up perfectly for Gold Standard and Edict Of Nantes, who had conserved energy at the back, to pass exhausted rivals then fight out the finish.
Kotzen was generous in his praise of jockey Richard Fourie’s judgement and execution, “Having top class jockeys makes a difference. We sent him videos of Gold Standards previous runs – Richard is a real thinking race-rider and he knew what the opposition were up to during the race. He could see that Table Bay was struggling a long way out so cleverly chose to go in and still keep Edict of Nantes on the outer in his sights.”
Gold Standard beat potent opposition in this fast run 1600m race, including formerly undefeated Gauteng raider Al Fahad, for a third win on the bounce from five starts. Credit is due Edict of Nantes who made a big move in mid-stretch and was fighting back bravely at the end. Trainer Brett Crawford was enthused, “Edict of Nantes ran a cracker.”
Joey Ramsden’s much vaunted odds-on favourite Table Bay and stable mate A New Dawn also run admirably to still be in the mix after attending such fierce early sectionals. Ramsden accepted the defeat philosophically, and both horses will yet prove formidable adversaries as the Summer Classics unfold.
It was Gold Standard’s time to shine on Saturday. Whilst the bay may not again encounter such an ideal pace set-up coupled with a brilliant ride, there is no question he is a seriously talented racehorse. “He’s beaten the milers’ here and will be running in the Guineas, but I feel he is really a Derby horse, with a stout, staying pedigree on the dam side from the same family as Olympic Duel.” Kotzen said. Beaming wife, Kathi was seen leaving the races laden with trophies and champagne after Gold Standard’s stunner, saying, “We have to enjoy these moments, they don’t happen that often.” That’s a smart attitude for coping in the competitive yet fickle racing world.