Storm Crossing (SAF) staked his claim for glory in next month's Emerald Cup with a sensational victory in the listed August Stakes over 1200m at the Vaal sand track on Saturday. Stablemate Braggadacio (SAF) was a well-beaten second ahead of Gold Game (BRZ) and Renegade (SAF).

Well handled by young Tshwaro Appie, Storm Crossing sat off the early pace as Renegade took up his usual role up front, going about three lengths clear. Favourite Imali was prominent along with Gold Game as Braggadacio sat in midfield.

Renegade continued to go hell-for-leather down the straight but he had a big weight to contend with and it started to show about 400m out. Imali moved up to take over and the race briefly seemed to be going according to the script for the favourite, who only had Gold Game to contend with at that stage, woith Braggadacio also starting to look a possible danger.

Imali soon found himself under pressure, though, with Gold Game sticking to him tenaciously and Braggadacio wearing him down as well but they were all sitting ducks for Storm Crossing who loomed large on their outside, travelling twice as well as anything else in the race.

It was all over as a contest entering the last furlong and the only question was how far Storm Crossing would win by. The official margin was 6.25 lengths but Appie commenced his victory celebration well before the finish line and the margin could have been even bigger.

The race marked yet another 1-2 finish for trainer Mike de Kock and Storm Crossing is going to be a tough nut to crack in the Emerald Cup itself. He should meet many of his rivals from here in that race and even allowing for some likely weight turnarounds, it's hard to see how any of them can reverse the form, such was the authority with which he won.

Braggadacio was no match for the winner but ran another honest race and showed his versatility, having already established himself as a more than useful turf performer.

Gold Game has never lived up to the promise of his early career but he's holding form well enough of late while Renegade ran his heart out as usual but was always going to struggle under top weight.