Despite looking to have a bit to do at the weights, Dennis Drier’s 6yo Wealthy charged home from miles off the gallop at any price to win the R150 000 Listed Michael Roberts Handicap at Scottville on Sunday.
On a day of fancied results, Sean Veale and Dennis Drier teamed up for their second winner and caused the jolt in the exotics, with Mike de Kock’s visiting favourite Pietro Mascagni failing to quicken from midfield.
Michael Roberts – captured by Candiese Marnewick on Sunday at Scottsville
The annual Michael Roberts raceday once again honoured the eleven time SA and one-time UK Champion jockey and the fist rider to be inducted into the SA Hall Of Fame. Just as Gold Circle have maintained the annual tradition in holding the raceday, the popular ‘Muis’ was on course to pay deference to those who had travelled to the KZN Capital City to join the occasion.
After Hero Quest had led for much of the journey, Affranchi moved up looking dangerous. But the action was near the rear of the field and it was Wealthy who finished best to hold off the late run of Dark Moon Rising, who had been pacing it with him at the back of the field.
Wealthy kept going by 0,75 lengths to win in a time of 103,49 secs with Affranchi a further 0,75 lengths away in third.
Sean Veale brings Wealthy home to beat Craig Zackey and Dark Moon Rising (Pic – Candiese Marnewick / Gold Circle)
Amor Ardiente rounded off a R13 200 quartet with Pietro Mascagni failing to fire and running a 3,15 length fifth.
A past KZN 2000 Winter Challenge winner, Wealthy was bred by KL Thomas and is a son of Silvano (Lomitas) out of the five time winner Wealth (Badger Land).
A R180 000 National 2yo Sale graduate, Wealthy has won 6 races with 8 places from 28 starts for stakes of R589 050.
