Gutsy. Moofeed storms home under S’manga Khumalo to win the Gold Rush Sprint (JC Photos)
Mike De Kock set his flurry of feature wins in motion when the Australian bred Moofeed won the R150 000 Gold Rush Sprint run over 1100m at Turffontein on Saturday in superb style. Ridden by S’manga Khumalo he beat some quality contemporaries in this non black type race with an assertive display of galloping.
As things turned out, De Kock and his Australian breds were to win three of the day’s four features, before a storm brought an unceremonious end to the proceedings after the seventh race.
The longshot Jimmi Choo was reshod at the start after spreading a shoe and with the late withdrawal of Sean Tarry’s Jet Master filly Olive Leaf, the field was reduced to eleven runners.
Sherman Brown had the speedy Tiger Territory pacing it out with One Man’s Dream and the PE visitor Mod Barley.
The pace was hot as Tiger Territory continued to lead past halfway as S’manga Khumalo shook Moofeed up for his effort with a few looking dangerous.
Khumalo brought Moofeed through down the middle inside at the the 300m with Trip Tease unleashing a good looking effort.
In a rousing finish Khumalo pushed away as Moofeed ground his opponents and stayed on best to beat Trip Tease and a flying Brad’s Surge.
Moofeed won by a length in a time of 65,17 secs and started at a generous 12 to 1.
The fancied Tommy Gun faded out on a frustrating afternoon for Corne Spies.
Moofeed was bred in Australia by Epsom Lodge and Coolmore.
He is by Danehill’s five time Gr1 winning son Duke Of Marmalade, who stands at Coolmore.
He is out of the Encosta De Lago mare Dizzy De Lago, which makes him a half brother to his very well performed stablemates, Musir (by Redoute’s Choice) and Merhee (by Elusive Quality).
Moofeed has won 3 of his 4 races and doubled his earnings to R187 500.
His sire won from 1400m to 2400m and it will be interesting to see if he stays on as he matures.
