Vercingetorix (SAF) handled a big step up in class with aplomb as he edged out hot favourite Capetown Noir (SAF) in a close finish to the Gr 2 Korea Racing Association Guineas over 1600m at Greyville on Saturday. Corredor (SAF) and Gitiano (SAF) took the minor placings.

Capetown Noir appeared to take a bump at the start, as he did not break well, but he recovered to race in midfield, alongside Vercingetorix, as No Worries took the field along at a steady gallop from The King And I, King Of Torts and Gitiano. Corredor raced towards the rear with onlyWind Trip and Killua Castle behind him.

No Worries kept going for some time in the straight and it was only about 250m out that he finally relinquished the lead. Vercingetorix moved confidently past him to the outside while Capetown Noir was under a ride to the inside but gradually getting on terms.

Vercingetorix and Capetown Noir drew away from the rest to fight it out over the last furlong but the favourite always appeared to be under more pressure than his inexperienced rival and it was no surprise to see the nose of Vercingetorix in front as they hit the finishing line, the son of Silvano having responded well to the urgings of jockey Anthony Delpech (pictured).

The winner, who remains unbeaten, was making only his third racecourse appearance and the sky is the limit after this performance as there is still any amount of improvement to come.In pre-race calculations few were expecting to see Capetown Noir beaten, but Vercingetorix always looked the only one capable of doing so, being by far the least exposed runner in the field. The victory marked a big-race double on the day for trainer Mike de Kock, having already captured the Fillies Guineas with Festival Of Fire.

Capetown Noir did not break well but thereafter appeared to have every chance. He's too good a horse to write off one the basis of one defeat but he did not look the same colt that had won the Cape Guineas in such commanding fashion and it will be interesting to see how this result affects the planning for the rest of his winter campaign.

Corredor ran a cracker in third. He was facing by far his stiffest task to date and ran on very well from off the pace.

Gitiano continues to hold form, having run well in the first two legs of the Triple Crown in Gauteng, and while he never threatened to win, his connections have reason to be pleased with another stake cheque picked up in strong company.

3 b c Silvano (GER) - National Vixen by National Assembly (CAN)
Al Adiyaat South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Bred by Klawervlei Stud
Winning trainer: Mike de Kock