Anthony Delpech, fresh from winning Victor Ludorum in this weekend’s Jockeys International, carried through to Greyville on Sunday as he wrapped up the first two races although he did have to share honours in the first.
He was aboard favourite Black Agate in the opener for Dean Kannemeyer but after pinching an early lead in the straight he had to work hard to keep his mount going as Delirious Nomad and Sean Cormack cut into his lead with every stride.
The judges were unable to separate them at the wire, declaring a dead-heat. Delirious Nomad was a touch unlucky as he appeared to falter for a stride at the furlong marker but he regathered smartly and was a winner both sides of the line.
Delpech had no problems in the second as Arabian National bowled out of the gate and was never in danger of defeat. The son of National Emblem simply pounds the ground with his heavy action and he is likely to add to his tally of wins if Sean Tarry can keep him sound.
“I know that he is a horse with problems,” said Delpech. “But he felt really good gong to the start today. It was just a case of jump and run. Just the way he likes it.”
Punters have been having a tough time of things on the poly of late and they took another body blow in the third where outsider Ginger Biscuit got up late to catch Black Velvet on the line.
Muzi Yeni, who last week rode the 1000th winner of his career, was a late replacement in the International Jockeys team after S’Manga Khumalo was injured before the first at Turffontein yesterday, was back in the winner’s box as he drove the Duncan Howells-trained The Gingerman to victory in the fourth.
He was at the son of Brave Tin Soldier from a long way out and the gelding kept finding to hold off the challenge from a slightly unlucky favourite Saarikh who battled to find a run early in the straight.
The absence of ante-post favourite Spanish Captain left the fifth wide open and the Frank Robinson-trained Second Lieutenant, a surprise winner of his maiden last time out, took advantage and kept running strongly to beat Aware and Strategic’s Pride.
Warren Kennedy scored a double on the day as he kept the Tarry-trained Strategic News going in a driving finish to deny Off Ramp and Deep Down Rebel in a driving finish to the sixth.
Chennai Babe has really taken to the poly and scored her fourth win from just five starts on the surface. Rain forced the switch from turf to poly yesterday and although there were a few trainers cursing their luck, Sean Tarry will have been more than happy with the switch.
Favourite Lobelia looked to have the final race sewn up with a furlong to go but Alzerra, giving Stuart Randolph is first win back from injury, finished too strongly and the daughter of Jay Peg rattled home to win going away.
By Andrew Harrison
Picture (Nkosi Hlophe): Arabian National and Anthony Delpech
