Milnerton master trainer Vaughan Marshall registered his second success in the Gr3 Cape Classic in three renewals when the progressive Silvano colt Silver Operator scored a workmanlike victory in Saturday’s 3yo male feature at Kenilworth.
Marshall, who has a time-honoured knack of churning out the classic prospects, won this event in 2017 with the smart Tap O’Noth, who at the time was immediately declared a ‘Guineas prospect’ – and duly went on to capture the prestigious Gr1 to mark his veteran trainer’s fifth success in that classic.
Anton Marcus pushes Silver Operator out as Robert Khathi tries to get Captain Tatters closer (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The minor difference between the ‘Tap’ and Saturday’s winner is that the former had won the Langerman – and of course he was the inevitable seasonal Marshall Captain Al bullet.
But Silver Operator hasn’t fallen too far from the stereotype mould – he was bred by Klawervlei out of a Captain Al mare.
On Saturday, Silver Operator’s victory was greeted with almost subdued caution – Anton Marcus, who never goes over the top, suggesting his mount was ‘staying on and would probably be effective over further’.
After thanking his top-class jockey , as well as absent owner Mario Ferreira and racing manager Des Gonsalves for the support, the astute Marshall was quick to point out that they had to start somewhere with Silver Operator and tempered enthusiastic post-race interviewer Fee Ramsden’s praise with a ‘let’s not get ahead of ourselves.’
But that’s in the natural disposition of professionals that have been there and got the t-shirt and Silver Operator certainly has the credentials of a sophomore headed towards bigger things.
Bounced into the lead at the 300m, Silver Operator (16-10) had to be kept to his task as Robert Khathi produced Captain Tatters (14-1) like a potential party spoiler to give the leader some cheek late in the race.
The son of champion sire Silvano dug deep and staved off the Snaith challenger to win by 0,40 lengths in a time of 86,69 secs.
Dean Kannemeyer’s Guineas hope Seventh Gear took a while to find his stride but stayed on to be beaten a further 2,75 lengths back in third.
The Kotzen-Winnaar partnership, fresh off their big win at Fairview on Friday, maintained their presence and found the fourth cheque with the well-related Prince Of Persia(40-1).
Winning team in the post-race snaps (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
The winner’s trophy was handed over by Kenilworth Racing Chairman, Robert Bloomberg.
Silver Operator has now won 2 races with 2 places from 4 starts for stakes of R237 000.
He was purchased off the 2018 Cape Thoroughbred Sales April Yearling Sale for R700 000.
The Ridgemont-Highlands sponsored Marcus only returned from a three month medical leave of absence on Friday evening at Greyville and booted home two winners. He rode with such vigour and confidence here, it’s almost like he never left.
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Gr3 Cape Classic (SAf-Gr3)
Kenilworth, South Africa, October 26, R200k, 1400m, turf, soft, 1.26.69
1 – SILVER OPERATOR (SAF), 56.0, b c 3, Silvano (GER) – Sting Operation (SAF) by Captain Al (SAF). Owner Mr M J A Ferreira; Breeder Klawervlei Stud; trainer VH Marshall; jockey A Marcus
2 – Captain Tatters (SAF), 56.0, b g 3, Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Lady Tatty (SAF) by Solskjaer (IRE)
3 – Seventh Gear (SAF), 56.0, b c 3, Captain Al (SAF) – Cherry On The Top (SAF) by Tiger Ridge (USA)
Margins: 0.40, 2.75, 0.20
