An in-form Mike de Kock strengthened his Summer Cup claims when his Gimmethegreenlight colt Barahin, a fellow with something of a mixed relationship with the punting public, streaked clear to bag the first cheque in Saturday’s R1 million Peermont Emperors Palace Gr2 Charity Mile at a festive Turffontein.
Given his weight pull with his stablemate Hawwaam and his wellbeing at the time, Barahin was touted by his multiple champion trainer as the horse to beat in the Vodacom Durban July but could do no better than a modest staying on tenth, some five lengths off Do It Again.
Callan Murray has Barahin well in control (Pic – JC Photos)
With one ordinary pipe-opening effort under the belt early last month, he was something of an unknown factor in his second start as a 4yo. And with originally carded rider Anton Marcus fulfilling his Ridgemont engagements – just one ride in the end – down in the Cape, punters were left very aware of the smart colt’s ability, but not knowing how exactly to approach him.
But he left us in little doubt!
The late withdrawal at the start of Johan Janse van Vuuren’s Divine Odyssey (7-1) failed to delay the jump and the field was sent on their way, with Approach Control leading Chijmes and Tristful early on.
Into the home run, Chijmes maintained the lead – but when Callan Murray found a gap at the 350m, it was race over.
Four backhanders sent Barahin on his way and the 4yo strode out well to draw clear and beat Chijmes by 3,50 lengths in a time of 98,1 secs.
Cascapedia and Flying Winger dead-heated for third, a further 3,25 lengths back.
The favourite Zillzaal had every chance but could no better than eighth and ten lengths off the winner.
Barahin has won 5 of his 10 starts with 3 places for stakes of R1 823 125.
Bred by Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein, Barahin is a son of Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready) and is out of the Silvano mare Mocha Special, a one-time winner.
The winner, one of seven Mike de Kock Summer Cup entries still in the running for the big race on 30 November, was a R2,6 million buy from the 2017 National Yearling Sale.
He races in the blue and white of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum – the same silks worn by De Kock’s last Charity Mile winner, Muwaary (2015).
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Gr2 Emperors Palace Charity Mile (SAf-Gr2)
Turffontein, South Africa, November 2, R1 million, 1600m, turf, soft, 1.38.01
1 – BARAHIN (SAF), 58.5, b c 4, Gimmethegreenlight (AUS) – Mocha Special (SAF) by Silvano (GER). Owner Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum; Breeder Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein; trainer MF de Kock; jockey C Murray
2 – Chijmes (SAF), 56.0, ch g 4, Ato (SAF) – Sophie’s Choice (SAF) by Russian Revival (USA)
3 – Cascapedia (IRE), 56.0, b m 6, High Chaparral (IRE) – Janoubi (GB) by Dansili (GB)
Margins: 3.50, 3.25, d/h
