Charles Dickens bred by Drakenstein Stud romped in the Grade 3 Cape Classic at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth with commentator Jehan Malherbe aptly calling as the chestnut freewheeled in by three lengths, “He’s rumoured to be a superstar – well, he’s on the way there… “
The high class three-year-old son of Trippi is conditioned by Candice Bass Robinson and was ridden by Aldo Domeyer, who described the even-tempered, fleet-footed thoroughbred as “a jocks treat, and an exhilarating ride.”
At My Command gamely held second after getting across from draw ten and setting the pace, with Dave the King third, but the Drakenstein Stud bred victor was in a different league as he smoothly clicked through the gears, winning under wraps.
Bass Racing have won practically all the big races in SA over the years yet have never saddled a Cape Guineas winner. In Charles Dickens they now have a formidable candidate.
Bass also sent out 8/1 shot, Resonate to prevail in the South Easter Sprint (Listed) over 1100m- surging past Surjay who hit the front powerfully after stalking the speed but could not resist Resonate’s swift closing burst. Gimme a Prince also dashed home to snare second place in an admirable effort given that he got slightly worked up at the gates. He may well target the Merchants next.
The winner is by Twice Over ex Rei Rei and it seems sprinting is his forte. Jockey Aldo Domeyer said, “His work this week was exceptional – he’s now in a happy space. He was nice and fluent doing pacework during the race – things are looking up for him!””
Resonate (Ridgemont Highlands) has now won five of 13 starts and this four-year-old may be poised for an even bigger sprint win this Summer.
Trompie (Captain Of All – Beaumont Stud), who had last run in February, came back from that long injury enforced break to stalk the pace then outrun favourite Hithemhardsunshine in the Need for Speed Sprint over 1000m.
Vaughan Marshall’s three-year-old blew like a gale in the betting from 3/1 out to 8’s but came back full of run to score convincingly. Hithemhardsunshine moved up menacingly but could not match strides in the last 150m and will improve as he strips fitter.
Drakenstein Stud enjoyed three winners on the day.
-Cape Racing
