Not many trainers can lay claim to the very rare distinction of improving on a Mike de Kock throwout. PE-based Jacques Strydom scoffs at the suggestion but there is no question that he has done a terrific job with Gogetthesheriff, who takes his second step to the Eastern Cape Poly Triple Crown at Fairview today.
2014/15 Polytrack Horse Of The Year Gogetthesheriff
Revitalised stallion Go Deputy has another decent son on the cusp of Triple Crown glory with 3yo Abashiri lining up in the SA Derby on Champions Day in a fortnight.
And his older son Gogetthesheriff is the new hero of Port Elizabeth racing – they have had a few over the years – Hear The Drums is one that springs vividly to mind.
Owner Freddie van Onselen’s Lammerskraal -bred gelding won the 2014/15 Polytrack Horse Of The Year title and came home shunting to crack the first leg of the R600 000 WSB Eastern Cape Poly Challenge on 28 March over 1200m – a great effort from a wide draw over a trip short of his best.
He faces thirteen rivals on Monday in the second leg of the challenge, the R100 000 WSB East Cape Poly Challenge 1400, and while he has to contend with a horrible draw again, the 200m extra makes him that much more formidable.
All three legs of the challenge are based on merit rated bands and any horse with a merit rating of 100 or above may only carry 62kg maximum. Off his MR of 108, versus Russian Mig’s next best of 95 and carrying just 1kg less, the mountain that Gogetthesheriff’s rivals have to climb is evident!
We spoke to trainer Jacques Strydom, who was brimming with confidence.
Where did you get this good horse?
Jacques Strydom – has done an outstanding job with the Sheriff
“I signed for Gogetthesheriff at the 2014 Michael Holmes Bloodstock Super Sale and we have managed to get him to win plenty of races. His owner has enjoyed his share of good fortune with us. You may recall his previous favourite was the former Dean Kannemeyer-trained Fahal gelding Palm King, a dour stayer and winner of the PE Gold Cup and Glenlair Trophy in 2007.”
Why buy second-hand horses?
“Every unraced baby at the sale is a champion. As a small outfit with limited buying power, we are forced to look for value in the second-hand market. We are under no false illusions and being hands on, we can give them specialised care and attention too. We have been lucky,” says Jacques modestly.
Can Gogetthesheriff win on Monday?
“Yes, despite his bad draw we fancy him. This series has been the plan from last year already. It is not easy – three hard races in seven weeks is a big ask. But he is well and came through his prep runs with flying colours – winning the last of them in February. We make a lot of use of our hydro machine. He stands in there up to his knees at a temperature of three degrees and it works wonders for him,” says Strydom.
Is Ryan Munger experienced enough to ride him to victory – and what about all that dead weight?
Ryan Munger – talented
“Unfortunately Andrew Fortune broke his ribs and JP van der Merwe, who won on him last time is suspended. Munger is a decent young jockey and our boy is not a difficult ride- and we have sorted his slow start issues. As far as dead weight goes, it is all relative really. If a heavy jockey gets unbalanced he is more likely to unbalance his mount. A kilo of feathers weighs as much as a kilo of lead!” suggests Jacques.
The Poly Challenge provides a great opportunity for horses suited to South Africa’s most newly introduced racing surface and it also provides a more distinct platform for horses vying to be named The Eastern Cape’s Polytrack Horse Of The Year – which looks Gogetthesheriff’s title for the second year running.
Freddie van Onselen is in line for the bonus of R250 000 which will be paid to the owner of the horse that wins all three legs of the Challenge.
There will also be a consolation bonus of R50 000 to the best performed horse, although only horses who participate in all 3 legs and win at least 1 leg qualify.
The final leg is the R100 000 WSB East Cape Poly Challenge 1600 to be run on Friday 13 May – how lucky is that!
On Monday, we will be shouting Gogetthesheriff home – he would have to run way below best or suffer some serious bad luck to be beaten.
