Derek Brugman – outlines Act Of War’s future plans
Act Of War has been cut from 10-1 to 6-1 fourth favourite for the J &B Met but seemingly the odds are against Saturday’s Grand Parade Cape Guineas winner even running in the great race, writes Michael Clower.
Racing Manager Derek Brugman explained: “The intention is to get him out of the country, probably around March, and race him on the world stage in England. We won’t go to Durban with him but, if he is 100%, we will run him in the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, the Met or the Investec Cape Derby. It will be one of those three, but not two of them, and it will be Markus Jooste’s call.”
The country’s leading owner for seven straight seasons is in hospital. He had his appendix removed but the wound went septic and he had to return but, says his racing manager, “he is in good spirits.” He certainly should be after winning six of Saturday’s ten Kenilworth races!
Act Of War, who made it six in a row in straightforward fashion, was described by Bernard Fayd’Herbe (a man who has won 31 Grade 1 races) as: “One of the better horses I have ever sat on and something really special.”
The Arc-En-Ciel bred Dynasty colt was the second Cape Guineas winner for Joey Ramsden in four seasons, and the highlight of a fabulous five-timer, but seemingly the build-up was traumatic.
Serious Business
Joey Ramsden – intense competitor
The Milnerton trainer often gives the impression, particularly in his blog, that there is a lot more to life than racing but behind the fun-loving front there is a hard-working intensity and even the thought of failure brings out a grim determination that can drive him almost to despair. This time he took it out on the wife.
The reason was the racecourse gallop a week earlier when Act Of War’s performance against Brutal Force and Kingvoldt was rather more below expectations than the trainer let on. “He worked OK but normally he will eat the other horses for breakfast and he didn’t do that,” Ramsden explained.
“I was hugely disappointed – and I was left scratching my head and doubting myself. It really got me down and all week I was an absolute living nightmare. There wasn’t one homeopathic medicine I didn’t try and even I was surprised at the depths I sank to. I have to say sorry to Fee.”
Laff’s Champ
KZN Champion Harry’s Son – not disgraced
Paul Lafferty will make plans for Harry’s Son after the gallant runner-up flies back to Durban this afternoon and seemingly the colt had a rough passage. “Rounding the turn he was pulling hard and another horse came in on me,” reported Piere Strydom.
Lafferty added: “Harry’s Son nicked his off-fore but we are not making any excuses. The winner is a top horse and I was very pleased with mine.”
Kingvoldt, only run out of second in the last few strides, may yet avoid the fate of most haemo-concentrating horses but 75-1 shot Imperial Gold surprisingly finished better than 8-1 stable companion Zambezi River. Both lost ground at the start.
S’Manga Khumalo reported: “I had a bad draw but my horse just didn’t get the trip.”
Sean Tarry added: “They both had reasonable runs. Zambezi River is a CTS sales race candidate and so he will drop back in trip for the R1 million race on 24 January while Imperial Gold will go for the Politician Stakes on 10 January.”
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