It is not everyday that two 3yo sons of Dynasty with a combined price tag of R8,3 million clash in a modest MR 73 Handicap at Kenilworth in midweek.
Craven (Dynasty – Sport’s Chestnut) seen as a yearling
But with the R1 million Gr1 Cape Guineas only a matter of weeks away, it is crunch time with trainers sorting the men from the boys.
The Wednesday highlight saw Brett Crawford’s Avontuur-bred Craven squaring up to Candice Bass-Robinson’s recent maiden scorer, Maine Chance-bred Horizon.
Craven was the third highest priced lot on the 2015 BSA National Yearling Sale, when knocked down to Tony Millard for R3,1 million. His moving on was a bittersweet moment for Avontuur, as he was the last foal of their illustrious Sportsworld mare, Sports’ Chestnut – who coincidentally was trained by Mike Bass in her track days.
Craven races for Hong Kong owner, Mr Y H Yue – and the smart colt won’t be the first prospective Cape Guineas star with plans to head East.
Horizon broke the SA thoroughbred at auction record when knocked down to Kuda boss Wehann Smith for R5,2 million at the 2015 CTS Cape Premier Yearling Sale. He races in the silks of brand new owners, Piet and Vivia Du Toit.
Brett Crawford – powerful summer string
Horizon’s stablemate Rocket Master made the pace in the mile battle of the ‘top-ticket Titans’, with the two protagonists relaxed near the rear.
In the sprint for home, Richard Fourie took the shortest route down the rail on Craven, as Grant van Niekerk went down the middle on Horizon.
Fourie’s move proved the wiser in hindsight, as Horizon was switched sharply out at the 250m for a run – by which time the bird had flown.
Craven cruised in to win by 2,50 lengths in a time of 98,60 secs.
Joey Ramsden’s Dancer shaded Horizon into third.
There is no question that the more experienced Craven was superior on the day – but don’t write Horizon off yet – and a rematch on the fairer summer track may lie ahead.
