Thriller. Cap Alright (closest camera) gets the verdict in the Southeaster Sprint (Equine Edge)
It is difficult to imagine that there is any other jockey on earth that would have secured first cheque on the Captain Al gelding Cap Alright in the R125 000 Val De Ra Listed Southeaster Sprint run at Kenilworth on Saturday.
The dogged forward galloper was all but dead and buried in the final 100m of the 1100m speed contest. That is until the masterful Piere Strydom got down to some serious riding.
The 2012 Gr2 Merchants winner is a perpetual motion machine who just loves stretching out in front on his home track. The Normandy Stud bred gelding has just been finding the going tough in his recent races and has often been collared in the final stages.
But Cap Alright made his half century of appearances a memorable one when throwing heart and home into his effort under an absolutely perfect ride by SA Champion, Piere Strydom.
The race was also a champagne one for trainer Justin Snaith, who besides the winner grabbed the second and fourth cheques from his quartet of runners.
While he really is a solid equine athlete with plenty of ability, it takes a brave man to back a horse who only knows the monotone style of attack from the front.
The start was an even one and Cap Alright was out quickly as he pulled Casual Var along from November Rain and Gogotine.
At the 400m Cap Alright held a length advantage as Casual Var produced his effort with Tevez storming through down the outside from some way back.
While Casual Var drew alongside and appeared to put his head in front momentarily, Strydom never relented with his right handed balanced ride and the champion glanced knowingly outside as they crossed the line.
The gallant Cap Alright went off at 7 to 1 and got the verdict by a nose in a photo, clocking a time of 65,03 secs.
The 17 to 10 favourite Casual Var had to settle for second, with the flying Tevez in third and Bobby James running a solid race in fourth. Under a length separated the top four.
The winner races in the Etienne Braun silks and is owned in partnership with his breeder and Margate-based Paul Loomes.
He was bred by Normandy Stud and is by Captain Al out of the thrice winning Centenary mare Second Chance. He cost just R100 000 as a yearling
Cap Alright has run 50 times for 9 wins and 26 places. He took his earnings with this win to R987 252.
