The Ashley Fortune trained Bard Of Avon continued the happy run of favourites on Vodacom Durban July day at Hollywoodbets Greyville when he stayed on strongest of all to win the R400 000 Bloodstock SA Cup (Colts & Geldings) under Muzi Yeni.
Andrew & Ashley Fortune salute as Bard Of Avon (Muzi Yeni) is led in (Pic – Candiese Lenferna)
The Var gelding started the shortest price horse on the big day and looked a decent bet in the 1300m contest restricted to eligible graduates of the 2020 BSA National 2yo Sale, after an eyecatching second in the Gr1 Gold Medallion at his last start.
He duly delivered as the Bipot pool exceeded the R600 000 target to reach a healthy R659 931 – despite a week of uncertainty in the betting outlets.
It was an emotional win as part owner Jumat Cola had sadly passed away on Friday afternoon.
In a thrilling finish, Muzi Yeni extracted more out of Bard Of Avon (5-8) who beat the late finishing Gaudi’s Masterpiece (14-1) by 0,40 lengths in a time of 78,92 secs.
William Robertson (9-2) maintained the hot Spies Stable form as he finished right on top of them for third.
Watch the replay here:
Bred by Ridgemont Highlands, Bard Of Avon is a son of evergreen Var (Forest Wildcat) out of the unraced Dynasty mare, Shakespeare’s Ros.
The winner looks like a terrific buy at R260 000 off the National 2yo Sale and has taken his earnings in three runs to R302 000 for two wins and a place. And plenty more to come!
