Francois Naude has Tommy Gun running strongly to win the Riverside Handicap (JC Photos)
The Sail From Seattle progeny are flying and Corne Spies’ 3yo Tommy Gun announced himself as a likely early Emerald Cup candidate with a runaway victory in Tuesday’s R150 000 Listed Riverside Handicap run over 1450m at the Vaal.
The smart gelding was the only 3yo in a seasoned field of sand campaigners, that included the smart topweight and Emerald Cup winner The Mouseketeer, who ruined his chances at the jump.
The late withdrawal of the Naidoo trained Storm Surf had left a vacant gate next to The Mouseketeer and his backers (and connections) can probably be feeling somewhat aggrieved as their man has not done the slow thing previously.
Jockey Fanie Chambers was not a happy man after the race.
The Mouseketeer stood while Pessoa was also slow out, but it was Tommy Gun who came out firing on all cylinders,
Fransie Naude had Tommy Gun cruising at the 400m and it was race over a long way out.
Tommy Gun streaked clear to win by 10,50 lengths in a time of 89,11 secs.
Jockey Francois Naude admitted he didn’t know how far clear he was but said that his mount was so relaxed. He felt he would go a mile in time.
Trainer Corne Spies said the win was some compensation for the sad loss of their good galloper, War Horse who died recently.
Corne’s Dad and part owner Tobie Spies was on course to receive his trophy on behalf of the partnership.
Tommy Gun was bred by Milkwood Stud and is by Sail From Seattle out of the Joshua Dancer mare, Kathakali.
He was bought on the National Yearling Sale for what looks a bargain R120 000.
Tommy Gun has won 5 races with 2 places from 10 starts and R479 125 in stakes.
The Sail From Seattle progeny are versatile and tend to sprint and stay. They appear to go well on all surfaces.
He looks like an exciting stallion.
