KingDundee put Gqeberha firmly in the sprinting spotlight with a commanding front-running performance in the Grade 1 Cape Flying Championship, a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race that leaves little room for error at the top level.

The victory marked a defining moment for trainer Dean Smith, who recently took over the reins of the stable following the passing of his father, Gavin. This was the biggest success of Smith’s training career so far, achieved on one of South African racing’s most demanding sprinting stages.

Calvin Habib executed the plan perfectly. KingDundee broke sharply, took control almost immediately, and was never allowed to come back to the field. From start to finish it was a decisive gun-to-tape display, with the challengers always chasing rather than threatening.

33/1 shot King Dundee covered the 1000 metres in a slick 57.91 seconds, confirming his high cruising speed and his ability to sustain it under Grade 1 pressure. I Am Giant stayed on for second, while Outlaw King filled third. Asiye Phambili completed the quartet in fourth.

Favourite Buffalo Storm Cody failed to produce his customary late kick and finished seventh, although he was beaten only 2.35 lengths. The minimum-distance sprint may have been slightly on the sharp side for him, with 1200 metres appearing closer to his best trip.

For KingDundee, however, there were no caveats required. On the day, he simply showed them how to sprint.

KingDundee's sire The United States, stands at Moutonshoek Stud. 

Image Pauline Herman