Canon Gold Cup

The countries premium grade 1 event for stayers, resulted in an incredible feat for trainer Stephen Page who ran home first and second in the Cup for owner Bridget Oppenheimer.

It was a well deserved accomplishment for the modest Phillipi based trainer who demonstrated his capabilities at the highest level and one hopes he attracts the utmost recognition for this fine achievement.

Bill Of Rights ran impressively to secure third spot for the Bass stable as did Thundering Jet under jockey Greg Cheyne who ran on gallantly to finish just three and a half lengths back. Diamond Quest missed the break and found himself towards the back for most the journey. He ran on in the straight but could not make up the deficit. Meteor Shower ran very well despite racing wide all the way round.

Stephen Page and Mrs Oppenheimer

All hope was turned towards River Jetez in the Gold Bracelet, but again found one better as the mare failed to catch Mother Russia on the line. She raced wide throughout after breaking from an 8 draw which ultimately was her undoing. We can only hope to turn the tables in her quest for grade 1 status next year, in what should be her last opportunity before her retirement to stud. Mother Russia is a pillar of consistency at the highest level and there should be no doubt that she will be duly rewarded for her excellence at the National Award ceremony next week.

Sunsational

Candice Robinson and Trevor Taylor have done a remarkable job in the Cape this season accumulating our best stat’s through the Winter period for some time. The pair trained home some 43 winners including 3 feature races, the last being Sunsational in the Grade 3 Final Fling Stales on Sunday. This is the first graded win for the daughter of Windrush who is now a three time winner from 11 starts for her owners Warne and Wendy Rippon, Graeme Joffee, Phillip Kahan and Sue Mackenzie. She was bread by The Alchemy Stud.

Pocket Power

The big Horse’s attempt at his ninth group 1 was not to be when going down a short head to Ivory Trail in the Champions Cup at Clairwood. Pocket Power hit the front a furlong and a half out and looked to have done enough, but a late sustained run from the Joey Ramsden charge saw him relegated to second position. In a tight finish, last years victor Buy And Sell got third while Blue Tiger ran a cracking race in fourth and looks to be a super prospect next season.

It has been a long, hard period for Pocket Power whose feet always seem to take a bit of a hammering on the firm Natal tracks but he is happy to be home and will enjoy a well earned rest in his paddock while the decision on his future is still pending.

General News

§       Candice Robinson takes a well deserved break when she, and husband Connell, depart for a five day getaway to Argentina on Wednesday. 

§       The TBA National Two Year old Sale takes place from Friday 14th August in JHB. Mike Bass will be attending the sale and anyone wishing to make a purchase should contact Mike directly, alternatively drop us a mail @ info@mikebassracing.com