Trainer Sean Tarry looked the man to beat in the listed Drum Star Stakes over 1800m at Turffontein's inside track on Saturday and so it proved, as he saddled the first and third runners home. It was 5-year-old Golden Chariot (SAF) who did the honours, just holding off Zorba's Tale (AUS) in a desperate finish with Regal Ransom (SAF) and Call To Combat (SAF) in the minor placings.
E-Fuel went out to make the early running from Bouquet-Garni and Wild Kodiak with Call To Combat on the fence and Golden Chariot to his outside. Regal Ransom also enjoyed a rails run with Zorba's Tale about a length further back.
E-Fuel brought them in for home and was swallowed up by chasing pack about 400m out. Bouquet-Garni and Wild Kodiak had been the first to challenge but neither of them could go on with it and it was Golden Chariot who made the decisive move as he skipped clear of the rest. Zorba's Tale had seen daylight to his outside and started to warm to his task while Regal Ransom elected to stay up against the rails for his final run.
Golden Chariot's supporters were probably feeling pretty healthy a furlong out as he still held the advantage but Zorba's Tale was now starting a serious late charge and began to close in hand over fist. Zorba's Tale actually looked to have the momentum and it seemed that a last stride-victory was in his grasp but Golden Chariot lasted just long enough to record a narrow victory.
Golden Chariot is enjoying a fantastic run of form this season and the son of Caesour was recording his fourth consecutive victory here. He's proven to be pretty versatile too, with those wins ranging from 1400m to 2000m.
Zorba's Tale is holding form well and his turn should come soon, while Regal Ransom challenged hard once he found a gap but just could not summon up enough of a kick to get to the front two.
Call To Combat was not disgraced for a horse who shed his maiden less four months ago and he looks very progressive, while Killaridge and Iron Curtain also deserve a mention for running on from some way off them to get to within two lengths of the winner.
Later in the day, Oracy sent out a warning to his rivals for the big upcoming events in Gauteng as he outclassed his useful stablemate Imperial Gesture in a Pinnacle Stakes, despite appearing unsuited to the sharp 1450m. The son of Zabeel has something about him and he quickened up very nicely when asked, indicating that he is well on track for the Horse Chestnut Stakes later this month.
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