The staunch patience of the connections of the smart Mogok colt Mogok Master could yet pay dividends. That is, if his outstanding return win at Turffontein on Saturday after a 58 week break is anything to go by.
Anthony Delpech steers Mogok Master to a smart win (Pic – JC Photos)
Mogok Master was a once promising 2yo who only had one day of 3yo action – that as a result of a 2yo Gr1 being postponed due to weather.
He was subjected to out-of-competition testing on 20 July 2015 when in the care of trainer Paul Peter and that was to be the day the dream of racing a champion largely soured for the Kruger family.
The specimen taken from the horse subsequently disclosed the presence of testosterone, which is a forbidden substance as provided for in the Rules of the NHA. As such the provisions of Rule 74.3 became applicable and the horse was banned from racing for a period of 365 days.
In desperation the Krugers wrote to the Sporting Post at the time pleading that the NHA or RA intervene to allow them to race their horse – read the story.
But after losing his entire 3yo career, Mogok Master stamped himself as a potential Summer Cup hopeful when brought out fit and firing on all cylinders by his new trainer Joey Soma on Saturday.
Ridden by Anthony Delpech, Mogok Master looked to be beaten by Africa Rising, before rallying powerfully to get the verdict in the inside track 1450m by a length in a time of 90,02 secs.
He was well backed to start 15-10 and looked like a horse who had done his work at home.
This was the Aldora Stud-bred colt’s third win from nine starts, with four places and he has now earned R265 875.
It was interesting to see the comparative illustration of the form of the three and four-year-olds to come out of the Graduation Plate won by Mogok Master.
Both the two two finishers had competed in the Gr 1 Premiers Champion Stakes over 1600m at Greyville as two-year-olds and remarkably both finished fourth – Mogok Master in 2015 and Africa Rising this year.
Rabada won the Gr1 Premiers Champion Stakes -where Mogok Master ran fourth
Mogok Master had Rabada, Prospect Strike and Abashiri ahead of him while Africa Rising was beaten by Gunner, Zodiac Ruler and Misty Birnam, respectively.
Rabada and Abashiri have gone on to win more Gr1 races, while the likes of Gunner and Zodiac Ruler have big reputations but have yet to prove themselves in stronger company.
Ironically a second horse snared in the Peter testosterone net also won on Saturday.
The Elusive Fort filly Fort Ember sat out a year suspension but has won twice since returning to action and was very impressive on Saturday, making it 3 wins from 5 starts.
She has remained in the Peter yard.
