Grey Away! Marthinus Mienie steers Balse clear to win the Pinnacle Stakes at Turffontein (JC Photos)
The Oppenheimer owned Fort Wood gelding Balse confirmed his improvement as an up and coming staying sort, when he won the R115 000 Pinnacle Stakes run over 2200m at Turffontein on Saturday.
With the Durbanville meeting steadily fading out of contention and dropping out to Monday, Turffontein carried the big day of the national weekend programme and did not disappoint with some exciting racing.
The eight horse field in the Pinnacle Stakes that launched the Jackpot on the nine race programme, saw Balse going off tote favourite.
The consistent Winter Desire destroyed his chances when he jumped slowly and lost six lengths. He was never in the hunt thereafter.
The recent runaway maiden winner Signature made the pace from Mirage Drive and Snappy Lad, with Salutation and Balse further back.
At the 800m marker Wes Marwing made what looked like a winning move as he took over on Mirage Drive.
Marwing pressed the button again on Mirage Drive at the 400m marker and he grabbed three lengths on his field as Mienie started making ground on Balse.
At the 300m marker Mirage Drive still looked like the upset winner but Balse had plenty in reserve and he surged clear down the inside rail under Marthinus Mienie to win going away by three lengths in a time of 137,17 secs.
Mirage Drive stayed on well for second, just ahead of another Fort Wood gelding in Kindle, who ran third.
Balse was bred by Mauritzfontein and is by Fort Wood out of the USA bred Chief’s Crown mare, Marfisa.
Balse was registering his third win with 6 places from 18 starts.
He has now earned R254 475.
Balse had run second in a strong MR 100 Handicap at Turffontein last Saturday, and is tough sort who can obviously handle plenty of racing. Interestingly, his merit rating went up six points after that run, and short of the seasoned 7yo Mirage Drive (who also enjoyed an apprentice claim), he looked quite nicely in here.
Balse was extensively campaigned in Group features as a 3yo, but was always a few lengths short.
He is strengthening and improving nicely now as a 4yo, as the Fort Wood progeny often do, and he should pay to follow in the capable hands of trainer Gavin Van Zyl.
