Runaway Song (speed figure 103) improved when stretching out over 2400m in the Derby at Scottsville, just as his pedigree suggested he might. Trainer Dean Kannemeyer has been on the tear during the Durban season, and he deserves full credit for his handling of Runaway Song (by Legislate), and willingness to extend him over a suitable test of endurance.
Even money favourite Aragosta (s/s 101) never looked comfortable, hanging during the race, and proving unable to match the winner’s finishing kick.
The T & B Oaks fell to None Other (s/s 99), who had won the Wilgerbosdrift/Bridget Oppenheimer Oaks on the Highveld a few months before. The tiny Flower Alley filly stays well and was produced with a perfectly times dash to beat off another Kannemeyer trained entry, Dawnofanewday (s/s 98).
None Other has been well prepared by Lucky Houdalakis, who yet again made a rare foray count – going from the Highveld to the coast. Not only did None Other pick up this G2, but he also landed a winner earlier on the card when heavily punted, Dreamland (s/s 81 +) sidled in untroubled.
The highest figure of the day was recorded by G1 sprinter, Isivunguvungu. He is super-quick and there are few that can match strides with him over 1000m – especially when he runs in the 108 – 110 range, as he did in the Computaform Sprint at Turffontein, and again on Saturday in a Pinnacle Stakes.
Another strong number was recorded by Gauteng Guineas victor, Eye of the Prophet (s/s 106) when he took out a Pinnacle Stakes over 1450m on the inside track at Turffontein’s Sunday meeting. Fellow 3-year-old, Quantum Theory (s/s 104) moved up like a possible winner only for Paul Matchett’s Gimmethegreenlight gelding to find another gear and draw off down the inner.
The news has broken that SA champion jockey elect Keagan de Melo has been licensed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. It will be a big loss to SA racing as the affable de Melo has really impressed with his fluent riding style, diligence and professionalism – getting progressively better at his craft with each passing year.
He’s worked incredibly hard to get to the top of the rankings here, flying from city to city practically every day, and fully deserves an opportunity to make his fortune in the Far East. Hong Kong is uber competitive and a tough jurisdiction to break into – yet the rewards for those who crack it are munificent. The Interbet team wish him all the best!