Hollywoodbets GOLD CHALLENGE (Grade 1) – R 2000 000

DAVE THE KING

Trainer: Mike and Mathew de Kock      

Jockey: Callan  Murray    

Winner: Dave The King – Global View (USA) – Touche by Jet Master

BRED BY: Gary Player Stud (Pty) Ltd

OWNED: Messrs L M Nestadt & G J Player & Ralphs Racing (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Miss K Ralphs)

Dave The King fights of pretenders 

Andrew Harrison

It wasn’t as easy as last year when putting lengths between himself and the opposition, but Dave The King held onto his crown when winning the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday. 

Challenged from all sides over the final furlong, Callan Murray kept his mount hard to his task to hold off game pacemaker Oriental Charm with a late charging Gladatorian denied in the shadow of the post with Cosmic Charm weakening late but less than a length behind Dave The King.

It was the first Gr1 win for Mathew de Kock since his return from Australia and joining in partnership with his legendary father, Mike.

For Murray it has been a great return to his home country after a spell Down Under and he gave Dave The King a copybook ride in spite of it being a close run thing at the wire. 

JP Van der Merwe wasted no time on Oriental Charm jumping from his wide draw of nine and heading straight for the lead where he slowed up the early gallop with Café Culture close on his heels and Dave The King perfectly placed on the rail but probably suited a quicker gallop up front as Murray illuded to in his post-race interview.

Dave The King was not able to use his big, rolling stride until coming off the false rail but managed to edge ahead of Oriental Charm and keep finding to the line.

It was a stellar effort from Oriental Charm who had not been out sine his second place behind Eight On Eighteen in the WFB Cape Met and he is sure to start one of the fancies for the upcoming Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July come the first Saturday in July.

Cosmic Speed was in with a chance all the way until the final 100m before his stamina gave out but he still kept on gamely for fourth.

Gladatorian, did not have it easy in the early exchanges and was towards the rear of the field turning for home. However, he showed an exceptional turn of foot and had the race won two jumps after the line. Jockey Sean Veal was adamant that the Hollywoodbets Durban July was well within his compass.

The selection panel for the Hollywoodbets Durban July have their work cut out selecting the final 18 and while most of the field selects themselves, sorting out those on the periphery could prove to be a headache and open to some controversy.

The Frank Robinson-trained Madison Valley  put his hand up with a gallant victory in the Gr3 Hollywood Dolphins Cup Trial, holding off the well-fancied Underworld with a smart effort from the three-year-old On My Honour also throwing his hat into the July ring.

The race was run at no great pace and turned into a sprint for home which made Madison Valley’s victory all that more impressive given that his optimum trip is over ten furlongs and further.

Muzi Yeni got a late call-up to take over from Raymond Danielson and he rode a cracking race, slotting into a handy position on the rail as Litigation set modest early fractions with Underworld hot on his heels.

Litigation, was first to show the white flag although never fully capitulating with Yeni and Richard Fourie battling it out up front. Madison Valley pinched an early lead at the top of the straight but Madison Valley and Underworld where hammer and thongs all the way up the straight.

On My Honour was trapped out wide in the early exchanges and was a long way off the pace turning for home. However, he quickened smartly and was gaining steadily come the line.

It is a race that will pose more questions than giving answers but a win is a win and Madison Valley has a solid chance of making the July field where the 2200 m will be much more to his liking.