Vaughan Marshall’s Australian-bred Lord Balmoral ran his opposition off their feet with a display of power galloping to win the R150 000 Listed Sophomore Sprint at Kenilworth on Saturday.
Easy does it as MJ Byleveld and Lord Balmoral cruise in to win easily (Pic – Wayne Marks)
A disappointing eight horse field for the support feature was further decimated by two key scratchings, but there will be few who will deny the long-striding Lord Balmoral a deserved first stakes win.
Avontuur-sponsored MJ Byleveld labelled the colt his best mount of the day and he made no mistakes, confidently taking him to the front from the break.
Vaughan Marshall – nice 3yo on his hands
Bishop’s Bounty moved forward from last to challenge at the 250m marker, but it was clear that there was no stopping the rampant Lord Balmoral.
The son of Star Witness, who started an 18-10 favourite, maintained his gallop all the way to the line to win by 1.75 lengths in a time of 72,13 secs.
Bishop’s Bounty – something of an enigma in terms of preferred distance – ran his usual honest race to stay on for second, 2,50 lengths ahead of Pillar Of Hercules, who has become the PA punter’s friend.
Recent debut winner Head Honcho was well beaten out of the money after showing good pace.
The disappointment of the race was former promising 2yo Hack Green, who started a 33-10 second favourite and ran a 13,50 length last in his fourth straight modest Cape outing.
Ken Truter purchased Lord Balmoral off the Balmoral Stud draft at the 2015 CTS Lanzerac Ready To Run Sale for R650 000.
He was originally sold on the Inglis Classic Yearling Summer Book where he was purchased for A$53 000 by Heritage Bloodstock & Balmoral Stud.
Lord Balmoral has won 3 races with 2 places from 7 starts and has earned R280 625.
He should pay to follow over the 1200m Kenilworth straight.
