Exit Here (Anton Marcus) is an easy winner
The Moutonshoek-bred Jay Peg colt Exit Here stamped himself as a genuine CTS Million Dollar prospect with an impressive victory under a tactically perfect ride by Anton Marcus in the R150 000 Listed KZN Guineas Trial at Greyville on Sunday.
Marcus rode a double on the day and was seen at his best on the promising Charles Laird 3yo, after he had punched the hot odds-on Chapel Queen home for Dennis Bosch in the second race, on the mixed surface programme.
The eight horse Guineas Trial field saw Exit Here, going for four in a row, easing from a call of 8 to 10 right out to 11 to 10 on support and interest in the Sean Tarry trained Rikitikitana.
But the value was grabbed by the Exit Here supporters, who hardly raised a sweat as Marcus dictated matters and turned it on when it counted to score a facile win by 2,25 lengths in a time of 97,16 secs.
The consistent Rikitikitana stayed on well for second – and should be a penalty kick in a Novice when he tries that league.
While there was little genuine depth beyond the top two, Glen Kotzen’s nicely bred Rap Attack showed that he could be a factor over ground in time to come with a late rattle.
Charles Laird – million dollar man in waiting
Winning conditioner Charles Laird was particularly chuffed with his charge’s effort:
“I’m surprised that he was written off. He had the best form and he’s a fighter. He hasn’t reached (his potential) it yet. He’s not a horse that shows much at home but as I say you don’t win at home, you win at Greyville.”
Marcus echoed Laird’s sentiments: “The penny still hasn’t quite dropped. He shows absolutely nothing at home and if you had seen his work on Tuesday you would not have backed him in a maiden.”
Exit Here is a R1,2 million Cape Premier Yearling Sale Book 2 graduate and took his win tally to 4 from 6 starts and also earned at his other 2 starts.
He has earned R292 600 to date – and looks well set for his date with dollars in January – and some exciting for top owners Alesh Naidoo and Markus Jooste!
