The SAF Connection

 

The 2005 July was marred by tradegy as the 28/10 favourite, Rabiya, broke down early in the race and had to be euthanased. A problem was evident as the horses jumped, when jockey Fradd almost came down and Rabiya lagged the field. A few hundred metres later, aware that something was amiss and hoping to lighten his mounts burden, Fradd jumped off. Rabiya fell moments later. This is a huge blow to the connections of the colt, one of only two entires in the field, who would probably have had high hopes for an international campaign and a future at stud for this son of Jallad. As if that weren’t bad enough, Dunsinane, the clear second favourite at 9/2, pulled up lame and it’s possible that his racing career may be over.

 

The July itself was an eminently forgettable affair. With the scratching of the only pace in race, Arabian Glow, the horses ambled all the way with the winning time of 135.28 being vastly slower than the consolation stakes race earlier in the day over the same distance. That event, for those that weren’t quite good enough to qualify for the July, was run in 133.69.

 

My selection, Night Watch, found himself out in front and fighting with his rider, effectively ruining his chances. He eventually finished 8th beaten just under 2 lengths, staying on one paced. Not surprisingly, the slow pace produced a shock result as the first three places were filled by Dunford (20/1), Silverpoint (14/1) and Eventuail (20/1) and only 2 lengths covered the first 10 past the post. Having said all that, congratulations must go out to all those involved with Dunford. The win was perfectly planned and executed. The four year old gelding came from some way back turning into the home stretch with a well timed run to win by half-a-length, more than quadrupling his career earnings in the process.

 

When you consider that the winner had a modest record to date, the runner up is a 3 y/o with only 2 wins from his last 10 races, and the third placed horse is an old timer giving weight to the whole field, combined with the loss of Rabiya and the injury to Dunsinane, this July is one best forgotten.

 

 

Owing to a variety of logistical problems, the planned campaign to Saratoga from June to November by Mike De Kock and his team has been cancelled. Five runners were entered for various races but will now remain in Dubai for the time being.

 

 

1. Chamonix (Western Winter x Beldale Lustre)

2. Red Badge (Badger Land x Royal Prerogative)

3. Zambomba (Al Mufti x Dancing Champ)

 

1. Cycad (Fort Wood x Last Tycoon)

2. Sharlee Boy (Badger Land x Complete Warrior)

3. Saddlewood (Fort Wood x Gay Fandango)

 

1. Ndabeni (National Assembly x Jamaico)

2. Chardin (Dominion Royale x Foveros)

3. First Flag (Classic Flag x Elliodor)

 

1. Dunford (Shalford x Piaffer)

2. Silverpoint (Woodman x Precocious)

3. Eventuail (Candy Stripes x Equalize)

 

1. Alexandra Rose (Caesour x Darshaan)

2. Veiled Essence (Muhtafal x Foveros)

3. Bold Ellinore (Kahal x Northern Guest)

 

1. Lyrical Linda (Jallad x Royal Prerogative)

2. Jamaica (Sportsworld x Averof)

3. Overarching (Arch x Known Fact)