Duty Dance strides clear under Muzi Yeni (JC Photos)
High-riding jockey title challenger Muzi Yeni bagged a feature win at the Vaal on Thursday when he rode a shrewd race to get the Paul Matchett-trained Duty Dance home in the R125 000 Autumn Sand Sprint.
The Winning Form-sponsored Yeni used his mount’s galloping weight in the 1200m event to advantage and stalked the blitzing favourite Anger out front until the 400m where he made his match winning move.
The win was a welcome one for the Paul Matchett yard who have been very quiet recently.
Anger was quickly out from his 1 draw and he led Maji Moto and Duty Dance at a solid gallop with Pinot Noir and Green Rock further back.
Into the final 400m Anger came under pressure as Duty Dance moved forward with Yukon Gold and Stavinsky unwinding a good effort.
Yeni had ridden an astute race and Duty Dance was in front where it counted as Stavinsky came at him late.
Duty Dance galloped strongly to hold the late challenge of Stavinsky by 1 length in a time of 73,03 secs.
The 75 to 1 longshot Yukon Gold came back to a flicker of his old form by staying on for third to boost trifecta and quartet dividends.
The favourite Anger showed pace from his good draw but faded badly late to finish stone last.
The same applies to the second favourite Shadow Line who faded out of the money after looking dangerous.
Winning jockey Muzi Yeni said that he had purposely kept Anger in sight and retained something for the end.
“We had a good weight and after he had warmed up between the 800m and 400m markers, he had the energy to go through with it.”
The 5yo Duty Dance loves the course and distance and is now a winner of 5 races with 6 places from 23 starts and R341 475 in stakes.
David Rahilly – last runner here and packing up as a trainer and moving to NHA
Bred by Summerhill Stud, Duty Dance is a son of recently deceased stallion Muhtafal out of the twice-winning Shoe Danzig mare, Shoe Dance.
From a good winner producing dam-line, he is a half-brother to the Gary Alexander-trained Fenerbahce, amongst others.
Duty Dance was bought for R220 000 on the National Yearling Sale.
In the second of the afternoon features, S’manga Khumalo and Sean Tarry were on target to win the Woodland Sprint with the fancied Argonaut filly, Jade Vine.
Gavin Lerena rode three winners on the afternoon, two of which were for Mike De Kock. S’manga Khumalo also bagged a double.
The Autumn Sand Sprint was also significant for trainer David Rahilly who sent out Pinot Noir as his last runner. Rahilly now joins the National Horseracing Authority as a stipendiary steward. We wish him well.
