Hill Fifty Four was narrowly denied in the J&B Met almost exactly twelve month ago when 80/1 shocker Martial Eagle collared him on the line. This time it was his big moment - finally! In the capable hands of Anton Marcus he overcame his wide draw quickly to take up the lead soon after the start. Nobody wanted else wanted to press on so that Hill Fifty Four had the run of the race from the front and could dictate the tempo in a way it suited him best. Marcus delivered a peach of a ride on the five year old gelding and didn't panic when the Captain Al son seemed to hung to his right. He had enough in the tank to find another gear when it mattered and surged home to a decisive victory in the premier 2.000 meter race of the South African racing calendar.
The well backed favourite Master Of My Fate got going way too late but came from well off the pace and stayed on nicely. He's a better horse than this form suggest. Second favourite Jackson was luckless in one of these big races once again. He trailed the field and faced an impossible task. Queen's Plate winner Capetown Noir didn't get home over the 10f trip.
No comments :
Post a Comment