Power King won the Durban July, using his turn of foot to burst away from rivals. He had to survive an objection though, after causing some drama when doing his usual sidestep in the straight. Punta Arenas gamely got within 0.75 lengths after launching a brave rally on the outer to nearly bring a dream conclusion to trainer Stan Elley's career, with another long-shot Tellina completing a rout of the fancied runners. Futura did best of that group, staying on for fourth in a dramatic finish to one of SA's historic big race days.
Another Grade 1 fell to Seventh Plain (speed score 101) in a nip and tuck finish to the Golden Horseshoe as he held off a hurtling Brazuca (s/s 101) who just passed Arabian Beat (s/s 100) in the dying strides. This was a very strong renewal and multiple winners will come out of this contest. The Golden Slipper for fillies went the way of Chestnut N Pearls (s/s 91) also from the Dennis Drier barn, who prevailed over Almashooqua in a much slower final time.
The Victress in the Garden Province Stakes, Same Jurisdiction (s/s 98+) was overdue a win at this level after being stiff on a few occasions. She has run as high as 106 in the past, and proved far too good under a masterful ride from Anton Marcus. The star rider somehow found the rail despite her wide draw and then produced her with deft timing for a winning effort in the middle of the straight.
Heart Of A Lion outstayed the field to score in the Gold Vase, and S'Manga Khumalo cleverly dictated on Ultimate Dollar to easily score in the tabGold 2200 where the time was nearly 2.4 seconds slower than the July. There was no dawdling in the MR 104 Handicap on the Poly however, as speedball Tiger Territory (s/s 105) showed his versatility. He has won a third of his 30 starts, with victories on turf, sand and now the polymer – a fine achievement.
