“Pace makes the race” is a well-known maxim. Indeed, it is how fast horses run at different stages of a race that cuts to the core of an athletic contest. Jockeys able to judge those sectionals precisely, and ration the energy reserves of their mounts in the optimal way, possess a crucial skill. Sean Cormack showed how he has risen to be one of the best contemporary jocks in SA with two smart rides on Saturday, as he won both Graded races in Cape Town for the Justin Snaith stable.
In the Victress Stakes, he got cover racing in second on Jet Supreme, and then made a key early move. Though stable companion Acrostar launched a strong bid from the rear, that effort proved too taxing and she could not pass a game Jet Supreme, who won despite running the last 400m nearly a second slower than her chasing rival.
Then in the Premier Trophy, Cormack guided Dynamic through some ambulatory early fractions, ensuring they had plenty left for a zippy closing sectional. Even with the cavalry (Helderberg Blue, Power King and Johnny Rockets) charging late, Dynamic was able to run a sub 23 second last 400m and ward them off. Great riding by the cunning hoop, with special credit to the champion Snaith outfit for bringing Dynamic back from a severe tendon injury.
Best speed figure of the weekend went to Sail South (s/s 106) who won a MR 97 handicap impressively. Based on this win, the Brett Crawford runner has the ability to pick up further success in even stronger company.
Credit is also due colleague James Goodman who found Pearly King as an inspired value bet on Fridays’ popular Interbet podcast. The chosen longshot scrambled home in the lucky last to land the gamble, and reward James’ loyal followers yet again.