Generally, the crowd is an excellent handicapper - their 2-1 shots win more often than 3-1 choices, which in turn fare better than 4-1 chances and so on. Yet every now and then, the public woefully underestimates a horse's chances. That was the case on Friday night when Dynastic Power (speed score 103) was available at 100-1 on Interbet in early trading for the Betting World 1900, despite having shown equivalent ability to second fave Power King during the Winter Series in the Cape, and being 4kg's better off at the weights.
Admittedly, Dynastic Power has not really gone on during the summer as connections were hoping, had been off track for a few months and was badly drawn in the 1900. But, it was a collective error by the crowd that saw him go to post as a seemingly forlorn prospect, though a few shrewdies got stuck in at the big price. He was skilfully handled by Greg Cheyne to clinch victory, though Power King surged from the rear to sneak second and might have won if not hanging across the width of the straight.
Top speed score of the weekend went to Alec Laird's Solar Triptych who ran big on the Greyville Poly, a remarkable figure of 105 when romping in a lowly MR 70 handicap. He had run in the high 90's before on sand, and looked totally at ease on the Poly - his official mark of 68 patently too low given his true ability. He is worth following during the season in Durbs, so long as he is placed way ahead of the handicapper.
The Interbet team is happy to salute Piere Strydom - the legendary hoop rode his 5000th winner on SA soil during the week! An extraordinary milestone by a durable, world class jock who has achieved mastery at a most demanding profession!
