Super On Sand. Tommy Gun charges clear to win the Autumn Sand Sprint (JC Photos)
Corne Spies produced a promising looking sand prospect when the Sail From Seattle 3yo Tommy Gun came out firing to win the R125 000 Autumn Sand Sprint in great style at the Vaal on Thursday. It was the youngster’s fourth start in the month of February.
The Spies horses seldom stand idle in their boxes and Tommy Gun was a very fit horse as he went to post for what was to be an impressive first outing on the sand. Sean Tarry’s Jet Master entire Skitt Skizzle picked up a 4kg penalty for his turf win the previous week and blotted his copybook with a poor run.
Sherman Brown had the pacy Tiger Territory into an early lead and he showed the way from Hang Fire and Skitt Skizzle, with Tommy Gun ready to pounce in the centre of the track.
At the 400m Tiger Territory started hanging in as he came under pressure and Skitt Skizzle faded with Tommy Gun making a forward move.
At the 200m Francois Naude had Tommy Gun in full stride and he ran away from his field to win by 1,75 lengths in a time of 71,93 secs.
Sean Tarry’s gallant 7yo Across The Ice ran on very well from some lengths behind to grab second place. Which is more than can be said for his stablemate and race favourite Skitt Skizzle.
The boom son of Jet Master was never really in the hunt and faded badly to finish unplaced under Piere Strydom. He pulled up mildly distressed.
The very capable Here Comes Billy may have needed the outing and he ran a modest third.
All of the winner Tommy Gun, Benbow, Pinot Noir and Tiger Territory (also coughing) were reported making abnormal respiratory noises
Tommy Gun was bred by Milkwood Stud and cost R120 000 on the National Yearling Sale.
He is by Sail From Seattle out of the Joshua Dancer mare Kathakali, who never won.
Tommy Gun has now won 4 of his 8 starts for 2 places and R385 375 in stake money.
He looks an exciting and versatile runner and another mobile billboard for Ascot stallion, Sail From Seattle.
