Frank Robinson and his staunch patron Sid Moodley looked to have booked themselves a Hollywoodbets Durban July berth after the Clifton Stud-bred Madison Valley ground away relentlessly after a brief duel with the Snaith’s Underworld, to win the R300 000 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Gr3 Cup Trial at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Saturday.
Muzi Yeni drives Madison Valley down the middle as Underworld (Richard Fourie on outside) and On My Honour (Chad Little) put the pressure on (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
Starting at 40-1, Madison Valley was one of ten big race hopefuls in the twelve strong field, and was given a superb ride by the Stone-Stamcor-sponsored Muzi Yeni, who found an unwelcome foe in colleague Richard Fourie breathing down his neck in the final stages of the 1800m contest.
But with no winning cheques in his envelope on a long day at the office, and with only one race left, Yeni made the most of the pick-up ride opportunity and forced Madison Valley home just 0,30 lengths ahead of Underworld (3-1) in a time of 111,57 secs.
While the runner-up is not a Hollywoodbets Durban July entry, Glen Kotzen’s On My Honour (14-1) was another to put his hand up, a head away in third, after having some work to do late off a slow gallop which didn’t suit many.
Running fresh off his WSB Cape Town Met appearance 19 weeks ago, Sean Tarry’s Litigation (20-1) was always thereabouts and finished fourth and 1,40 lengths back.
Muzi Yeni admitted he couldn’t believe he was sitting in second early on.
“Madison Valley struggled to quicken off the slow pace. But Frank Robinson was bullish and he had him in fine order,” added the jockey.
Trainer Frank Robinson conceded that it was a ‘bit of pressure’ because of the Hollywoodbets Durban July on the horizon.
“Last time Madison Valley was flat as he had an infection and was on anti-biotics. Well done to Sid (Moodley),” added the Summerveld conditioner.
A R220 000 BSA November 2yo Sale graduate, Madison Valley was bred by Clifton Stud and is a 4yo son of deceased Kingmambo stallion Mambo In Seattle out of the five-time winning Al Mufti mare Valdovino, who raced for Verna Roberts.
More of a solid staying type, Madison Valley has now won 5 races with 5 places from 19 starts for stakes of R942 125.
Of the balance of the Hollywoodbets Durban July entries, none were miles off, but there won’t be too much excitement at this stage either:
- Winter Games ran 2,45 lengths off the winner
- Zeitz ran 2,85 lengths off the winner
- Thunee Playa ran 3,45 lengths off the winner
- Hotarubi ran 4,55 lengths off the winner
- Regulation ran 5,35 lengths off the winner
- Wild Intent ran 7,35 lengths off the winner
- Pacaya ran 8,45 lengths off the winner
Second declarations close for the Hollywoodbets Durban July close at 11h00 on Monday 9 June, and the next official log is due on Tuesday 10 June,
Final supplementary entries close at 11h00 on Tuesday 17 June, on which date the weights will be published.
Final declarations close at 11h00 on Monday 23 June.
The final field and draw announcement will take place on Tuesday 24 June.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July public gallops are scheduled for Thursday 26 June.
The legendary Hollywoodbets Durban July pre-party is on Thursday 3 July.
