Fierce weather up North curtailed the racing program so attention switched to Port Elizabeth where Dorset Noble won the EP Derby on Saturday. The Candice Bass Robinson entry is a promising stayer and proved much the best winning comfortably from local hope Story Of My Life. Another Cape horse to waltz in was Captain Alfredo, now with Justin Snaith, who proved too swift for Pinnacle Stakes opposition. In other action, Querari filly Joking (speed score 83) won the Dahlia Plate accounting for the colts and causing a mild upset.
The previous day Our Icon narrowly won the East Cape Poly challenge over doughty rival Notting Hill. The five year-old gelding is beautifully bred by Dynasty ex Our Table Mountain but has suffered with ongoing physical problems throughout his career. Our Icon is proven on the turf having run figures as high as 99, yet goes just fine on the Poly track and prevailed in a tight finish.
The top speed score of the weekend was earned by Milton (s/s 102) who opened up a big lead in a 1800m race at Kenilworth then just staved off the late charge of Silvan Star (s/s 101). This was Milton’s 6th career win precisely 400 days since his last success and well deserved.