War Horse (SAF) got his career back on track with a scintillating victory in the Gr 1 Golden Horseshoe over 1400m at Greyville on Saturday. Outsider Shimmer And Shine (SAF) ran on well for second ahead of Honorine (AUS) and American Storm (SAF).
Blushing Peter went out to make the running with Love Struck in close attendance and Honorine showing up to their outside from a bad draw. War Horse had a perfect spot on the fence in fourth with Shimmer And Shine and American Storm further back.
Blushing Peter was soon under attack in the straight as Honorine moved up to the outside, looking dangerous. However, War Horse had plenty in the tank and once Jeff Lloyd asked the question, he responded readily and stormed into the lead. The race was over a furlong out as Corne Spies' runner powered home to win by over two lengths for the biggest win of his career thus far.
War Horse has always looked the sort who would go places, especially after a remarkable victory in the Protea Stakes at the end of March, where he had charged through from an impossible position. But a poor effort in the SA Nursery raised some questions which he has now answered in no uncertain terms. It's always been apparent that he is looking for more ground and, barring any mishaps, he already looks a major classic contender for next season.
Shimmer And Shine came here straight after a narrow maiden win and looked outclassed on bare form. However, he has clearly been improving at a rapid rate and this run was particularly creditable given his wide draw.
Honorine was also faced with a dreadful draw, in addition to which she was racing beyond 1000m for the first time. It was a bold move to throw her in against male opposition here, but she justified her connections' faith in her with a perfectly respectable effort.
American Storm was another one who had to overcome a bad draw and this was a very useful run in his first post-maiden race. He is also looking for further and he should soon be back in the winner's box against more congenial opposition.
VIEW ALL THE PICTURES HERE
2 b c Victory Moon - Star Deputy (NZ) by Deputy Governor (USA)
Winning owner: Mr F N Englezakis
Bred by Mr & Mrs J Erasmus
Winning trainer: Corne Spies
Race 6 - R500K - ZULU KINGDOM EXPLORER GOLDEN HORSESHOE (Grade 1)
For 2 year-olds - 1400m |
| No |
Horse |
Jockey |
Al/Bl |
Kg |
Dr |
Fin |
Dist |
Time |
OP |
SP |
| 14 |
WAR HORSE |
Jeff Lloyd |
A |
58.0 |
2 |
1 |
0.00 |
82.30 |
9/2 |
33/10 |
| 12 |
SHIMMER AND SHINE |
Bernard Fayd'Herbe |
A |
58.0 |
12 |
2 |
2.25 |
82.71 |
20/1 |
25/1 |
| 16 |
HONORINE (AUS) |
Anthony Delpech |
A |
55.5 |
11 |
3 |
2.40 |
82.73 |
7/2 |
7/1 |
| 1 |
AMERICAN STORM |
Ian Sturgeon |
A |
58.0 |
13 |
4 |
2.45 |
82.74 |
33/1 |
50/1 |
| 6 |
LOVE STRUCK |
Raymond Danielson |
A |
58.0 |
16 |
5 |
3.20 |
82.88 |
50/1 |
55/1 |
| 4 |
DANESCO |
Sean Veale |
A |
58.0 |
4 |
6 |
3.25 |
82.89 |
33/1 |
55/1 |
| 5 |
FLY ME OVER |
Karis Teetan |
A |
58.0 |
10 |
7 |
4.00 |
83.02 |
10/1 |
9/1 |
| 8 |
OTTIMO (AUS) |
Felix Coetzee |
A B |
58.0 |
9 |
8 |
4.15 |
83.05 |
8/1 |
15/2 |
| 2 |
BLUSHING PETER |
Muzi Yeni |
A |
58.0 |
5 |
9 |
4.25 |
83.07 |
50/1 |
55/1 |
| 13 |
THE HANGMAN |
Gavin Lerena |
A |
58.0 |
3 |
10 |
5.25 |
83.25 |
8/1 |
11/2 |
| 18 |
GO AGAIN |
Keagan Latham |
A |
58.0 |
7 |
11 |
5.30 |
83.26 |
50/1 |
55/1 |
| 7 |
MY JELLY BEAN |
Corne Orffer |
A |
58.0 |
1 |
12 |
5.40 |
83.28 |
7/1 |
11/2 |
| 3 |
CAPTAIN DINO |
Karl Neisius |
A |
58.0 |
6 |
13 |
8.15 |
83.79 |
33/1 |
50/1 |
| 11 |
SABADELL |
Piere Strydom |
A |
58.0 |
8 |
14 |
10.40 |
84.21 |
10/1 |
15/2 |
| 10 |
ROCK OF ARTS (AUS) |
Robbie Fradd |
A |
58.0 |
14 |
15 |
10.65 |
84.25 |
12/1 |
11/1 |
| 17 |
FOREST FIGHTER |
Stuart Randolph |
A B |
58.0 |
15 |
16 |
15.90 |
85.25 |
50/1 |
25/1 |
| 15 |
ZIPARANA |
Scratched |
| 9 |
POTENT POWER |
Scratched |
|