Halve The Deficit (SAF) got the better of stablemate Cagiva (SAF) to lead home a 1-2 result for trainer Sean Tarry (pictured) in the Gr 2 Colorado King Stakes over 2000m at Turffontein on Saturday. Knock On Wood (SAF) ran on for third ahead of The Hangman (SAF).

Outsider The Barbadian went out to lead from Cagiva and Brooks-Club, with Ilha Bela next best. Halve Deficit tracked her as The Hangman and Knock On Wood brought up the rear.

Cagiva made his move soon after entering the straight and went clear about 600m out. However, Halve The Deficit had the move covered and got on terms. It was clearly going to be a two-horse race 300m out as this pair pulled clear to fight it out but Halve The Deficit had more in the tank and ran out a comfortable winner by a length.

The winner has put together a consistent run of form and was recording his sixth win from 16 starts, and the same can be said of Cagiva, whose record this season reads three wins and two seconds from as many starts.

Knock On Wood is always thereabouts in this class and the way he ran on at the death bodes well for his chances of earning a cheque in the President's Champions Challenge over this course and distance at the end of this month, a race in which he ran well in defeat last season.

The Hangman was not disgraced in fourth but has not yet been able to regain the sparkle of his earlier form since returning from a year-long, injury-enforced layoff.

5 b g Right Approach (GB) - National Banker by Fort Wood (USA)
Mr C J H van Niekerk & Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)
Bred by Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs G A Rupert)
Winning trainer: Sean Tarry