The Brett Crawford trained Search Party (Captain Al) justified sustained betting support to lift the spoils in Saturday's Gr2 World Sports Betting Merchants at Kenilworth.

The Ascot Stud bred four-year-old was backed from 25-1 into 7-2, and duly obliged to give his bang in form trainer with yet another feature race win this season.

Unfortunately the Merchants was marred by several high profile scratchings, with the Gr1 winners Red Ray (Western Winter) and Real Princess (Trippi) both late withdrawals.

Search Party went out to make all and duly did, as the field split up into two groups.

Search Party continued to lead with 200m left to run, but had to fend off a strong challenge from the hugely talente Silicone Valley (Jay Peg) by half a length. With the runner up conceding the winner 4.5 kgs, it has to be said that Silicone Valley was the moral winner but take nothing away from a game front running performane by Search Party.

Captain Alfredo (like the winner, by former champion sire Captain Al) ran on to claim third, while Victorious Jay (Jay Peg) got fourth, ahead of former dual Merchants winner Tevevz (Caesour). The latter, giving lumps of weight to the four in front of him, was not disgraced when beaten just over three lengths.
Search Party, who won the 1200m contest in a time of 71.59, has now won four of just 11 outings and has earnings of more than R400 000 to his credit.

Owned by Mrs Delma Sherrell, Search Party's dam is a half sister to former Equus Champion and Gr1 Vodacom Durban July dead-heater, Dancer's Daughter (Act One).

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