Just The Ticket! Hot Ticket skates clear to win the Chairman’s Cup under Karl Neisius (Equine Edge)
Smart Silvano gelding Hot Ticket signalled his 2014 Gold Cup aspirations with a terrific win in the R250 000 Lektron Gr3 Chairman’s Cup run over 3200m at Kenilworth on Saturday. The Digteby Stud bred chestnut showed great character to bounce back from a rough passage in the J&B Met three weeks earlier.
Hot Ticket had run on smartly in the Cape’s big race but traffic problems had relegated him to a rather embarrassing second last position. There is little doubt that he would have been a far better proposition in the J&B Jet Stayers run over 2800m later on Met day.
But owners and trainers live and die by those decisions and the 4yo came back strongly on Saturday though to show that staying is really his game.
His victory also signalled a lovely end to the Cape’s Summer Of Champions for his trainer Dean Kannemeyer who admittedly has had a few more memorable seasons on paper. Hot Ticket rounded off a nice package of group wins, after Capetown Noir had won the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and Ice Machine the Gr2 Green Point Stakes.
Kannemeyer won three races on the afternoon.
Confident Ride. Karl Neisius rode the winner
The race was not run at a strong pace in the early stages as Posh Boy and Barossa Valley led early with Hot Ticket about four lengths off the pace.
At the 2000m marker Glen Hatt sent Wavin’ Flag down the outside to go second behind Posh Boy, in a move to up the pace.
At the 1400m Posh Boy continued to lead Wavin’ Flag, Follow The Wind and Barossa Valley, with Hot Ticket well placed.
With 400m to run Wavin’ Flag loomed menacingly and hit the front but his lead was shortlived as Hot Ticket ranged alongside him and drew off.
Karl Neisius guided Hot Ticket home and he charged clear to win by 2,25 lengths in a time of 213,20 secs.
Mike Bass’ 2013 Gold Cup winner Jeppe’s Reef raised his game after a dry spell and ran on well for second . The 6yo may have earned himself another trip to KZN for the 2014 Champions Season.
The well backed Wavin’ Flag looked dangerous but had little extra to come and finished a fair third 2,75 lengths behind.
Hot Ticket is a son of Silvano out of the unraced Sportsworld mare, Hot Number. He was bred by Digteby Stud and looks a lovely buy from the National Yearling Sale at just R180 000.
This was his fourth win with 6 places from 17 starts for stakes of R510 205.
Hot Ticket should be a nice sort to side with in the KZN Champions Season.
