ZACKEY’S SMART STAYING PROSPECT

Mike de Kock’s World Pool Gold Cup entry Mambo Come Tesio may probably not have done quite enough to warrant a trip down to Durban for the season finale on 30 July, when finishing a 2,55 length fifth behind Tyrone Zackey’s impressive post-maiden winner American Grayson at Turffontein on Saturday.

On a fairly tough day at the office for punters, American Grayson (16-1) followed up on his recent 2600m maiden victory when staying on strongly under Kaidan Brewer, who has proven something of a lucky charm for his owner, to win the R90 000 Middle Stakes run over the inside track 3000m.

The 3yo son of Pomodoro (Jet Master) beat the Azzie’s bridesmaid Breeze Over (5-2) by 0,30 lengths in a time of 193,76 secs.

A delighted trainer Tyrone Zackey, who took his chances, was pleased with American Grayson’s performance, but confirmed that there would be no Gold Cup supplementary entry forthcoming when the door shuts for SA’s premier staying race at 11h00 on Tuesday 18 July.

“Owner-breeder Clive Barnard is a real sport and said he was willing to give the big race a shot. But I advised him against it. American Grayson is only a 3yo and needs to develop. And he is not the greatest conformed horse – in fact many thought he wouldn’t make the racecourse. I’m pleased with his progress –he has won two of his five starts and he was placed over 1450m. There are plenty of races on the Highveld, and he will be infinitely more suited to the Turffontein outside track as he is a galloper. I think we may go for gold in 2024!”mused the veteran in a chat with the Sporting Post after the race.

Racing in the colours of the USA flag, Clive Barnard names his horses in line with his fascination for America, and this one was bred at his Roospruit Stud in Middleburg, Eastern Cape, which is managed by Michael Roberts’ brother Dickie.

The winner, who is named after Clive Barnard’s Grandson, is out of Black Minnaloushe daughter Mini Wave, who was moderate, but also produced the eight-time winner American Indian (Traffic Guard) who like his half-brother, possessed the longhaul blood and won up to 2600m.

Mike de Kock’s Mambo Come Tesio stayed on without getting there off a modest pace, to run 2,55 lengths off the winner at level weights. He looks like a promising stayer and has won 3 of his 7 starts. De Kock also has Aragosta and Black Thorn in the 22 strong entry for the 3200m race on 30 July.

Supplementary entries for the World Pool Gold Cup closed at 11h00 on Tuesday 18 July with declarations due tomorrow by 11h00.