Trainer Alistair Gordon broke a personal drought and enjoyed the distinction of saddling the first KZN horse to win the R500 000 Gr2 Dingaans in thirty years when Querari’s son Monks Hood confirmed his early promise with a gutsy victory at Turffontein on Sunday.
Anthony Delpech rides a powerful finish to keep Monks Hood going to beat Seerite (Pic – JC Photographics)
It has been a dismal season for the Summerveld based Gordon, who broke his duck with an unlikely Gr2 success for KZN. The last horse from that province to win the Dingaans was Sealegs all the way back in 1987.
After the Selangor Cup jolt of a few weeks ago, the 3yo crop remains under the spotlight and Monks Hood played himself into contention with a meritorious away victory, to show that he looks set to go on and fulfil his promise.
After Loyal Lieutenant had led for 1200m of the mile trip, Delpech shrewdly kept Monks Hood out of traffic down the outside and moved him up gradually as Ideal Secret and then Vacquero looked dangerous.
Anthony Delpech – rode a strong finish
Finishing with a clear passage down the centre outside of the track, Monks Hood finished strongly to resist a dazzling late challenge from Seerite to clinch the honours by a head in a time of 99,10 secs.
Seerite, a Bush Hill Stud-bred son of Curved Ball, came from stone last to go down narrowly – he looks an untapped talent and a horse to watch on this run!
Vacquero stayed on well for third a further 1,15 lengths back, with the luckless Flying Free running a cracker from his wide draw after traffic issues.
The fancied Big Bear never showed and ran seventh and 2,75 lengths off, while the Cape Derby candidate Like A Panther showed pace and finished a length behind the Tarry runner.
His stablemate, the newsmaking Pietro Mascagni finished 12 lengths downfield in what must be regarded as a disappointing show for his connections.
Anthony Delpech, who rode the winner for his employers, said that they were concerend about the altitude with the racing delayed.
“His last run was disappointing but he doesn’t seem to enjoy the poly. This was more like his ability,” he added.
Trainer Alistair Gordon was thrilled with the win.
“It’s been a tough time – thanks to Jehan Malherbe who helped me pick him at the sale – and to Mary (Slack) for allowing me to train him. Anthony gave him a peach of a ride,” said the veteran conditioner.
Wilgerbosdrift’s Mary Slack said she was thrilled for Alistair Gordon to have another good horse.
“He is lovely horse. He was from a small stud and we thought few would notice him at sale. But everybody did so he wasn”t a cheapie. But he looks like he could develop into a pretty good horse,” she added.
Bred by Arne and the late Ben Botha, Monks Hood is a son of Querari (Oasis Dream) out of the three-time winner Amber Boquet (Camden Park).
A R375 000 National Yearling Sale buy, he has won 2 races with 4 places from 6 starts and stakes of R439 625. He also banked the BSA Added Value Stakes Bonus of R102 500.
_________
Gr2 Dingaans (SAf-Gr2)
Turffontein, South Africa, November 26, R500k, 1600m, turf, soft, 1.39.01
1 – MONKS HOOD (SAF), 60.0, b g 3, Querari (GER) – Amber Bouquet by Camden Park (USA). Owner Wilgerbosdrift (Pty) Ltd (Nom: Mrs M Slack); Breeder BH & AJ Botha; trainer AD Gordon; jockey A Delpech
2 – Seerite (SAF), 60.0, b g 3, Curved Ball (AUS) – Damascus Charmer (SAF) by Damascus Gate (USA)
3 – Vacquero (SAF), 60.0, b c 3, Silvano (GER) – Valdovino (SAF) by Al Mufti (USA)
Margins: 0.10, 1.15, 0.15
