Justin Snaith’s Captain Al gelding Kasimir rounded off the Cape summer’s ‘triple crown’ of speed with a thrilling victory in Saturday’s R400 000 Khaya Stables Gr2 Diadem Stakes at a buzzing Kenilworth Racecourse.
Aldo Domeyer scents blood as he drives Speedpoint up Kasimir’s outside, as Richard Fourie gets serious (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
The race marked a terrific Cape summer cherry on the top for Drakenstein Stud, who bred the winning trifecta, as well as Kasimir’s part-owner Bernard Kantor, who has enjoyed a terrific run with his July winner Do It Again winning the L’Órmarins Queen’s Plate and chasing Rainbow Bridge home in the Sun Met last month.
But the day probably belonged to the lionhearted Kasimir, who called on every ounce of his class, ability and courage as the Joey Ramsden longshot Speedpoint swooped from the clouds at his outside to almost pull off what would have been a shock win.
A different horse this season since gelding, Kasimir has been on the boil since his duel with star 3yo One World in October and he takes a break with an impressive tally of three wins – the Gr2 Merchants, the Gr1 Cape Flying Championship and Saturday’s thriller – and two seconds from 5 starts.
When he swept out of the pack at the 300m marker on Saturday, with Richard Fourie glancing down his inside to monitor Chimichuri Run’s challenge, it looked to be how far!
But the Joey Ramsden yard is firing on all cylinders and their Southeaster Sprint winner Speedpoint grew wings inside the final 150m to take the race to the judge.
The Snaith team of brothers Jono (l) and Justin enjoy the moment (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
In the end, Kasimir’s class and a top-rate ride again by Richard Fourie counted, and the son of Captain Al, a popular favourite, got the verdict by a short head in a time of 70,9 secs.
The 44-1 Speedpoint did the works – but win – and he was a narrow loser.
Chimichuri Run had every chance a length away in third, ahead of Bold Respect.
The 9yo Tevez had his 54th and final run and finished 6,20 lengths behind.
Jono Snaith praised Richard Fourie’s great ride and said that Kasimir would now enjoy a well deserved rest ahead of his departure for KZN at the end of next month.
“Well done to all of our loyal owners – it’s been a great season. A particular mention to Gaynor Rupert and the Drakenstein team who bred the top three. That’s a terrific achievement!” he added.
Kasimir is a R1,2 million Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate and took his earnings to R2 605 875 at his sixth win with 6 places from 14 starts.
He joins an esteemed group of sprinters to have achieved the Cape summer speed treble.
Bred by Drakenstein Stud, he is a son of deceased champion sire Captain Al (Al Mufti). This was the 4yo’s first stakes success. He is out of the top-class Gr1 producing three-time winner Aquatint (Peintre Celebre).
As for his KZN plans, Jono confirmed that they would not be trying to reinvent the wheel.
“We have to put a line through his last season. He is a different horse since gelding. We will keep him to the sprint programme during the SA Champions Season. He is really a lovely horse and we are proud of him and what he has done this season.”
Stipes excerpt:
THE STARTER REPORTED:
- SPEEDPOINT (A Domeyer) reared in the stalls.
- BOLD RESPECT (C Orffer) was restless in the stalls.
- RUSSET AIR (R Simons), SAND AND SEA (K de Melo) and SEARCH PARTY (S Veale) were slow losing one length and thereafter were slow into stride.
THE STIPENDIARY STEWARDS REPORTED: (CvA)
- a) The start of this race was slightly delayed due to the track crossing having to be closed.
- b) BOLD RESPECT (C Orffer) changed stride awkwardly at the 800m.
- c) Jockey L Mxothwa (SILICONE VALLEY) reported that he felt something amiss with this gelding and did not persevere with his riding in the latter stages. The Veterinary Surgeon was requested to examine this gelding on his return to the unsaddling enclosure and submit a report.
- e) KASIMIR (R Fourie), the winner, was selected for the taking of specimens for analysis. Trainer S J Snaith was advised. (BM)
_________Gr2 Diadem Stakes (SAf-Gr2)
Kenilworth, South Africa, February 23, R400k, 1200m, turf, good, 1.10.09
1 – KASIMIR (SAF), 60.0, b g 4, Captain Al (SAF) – Aquatint (AUS) by Peintre Celebre (USA). Owner Messrs W P Drew & B Kantor, Mesdames A M Doyle, D Nagle & Paul Shanahan; Breeder Drakenstein Stud; trainer J Snaith; jockey R Fourie
2 – Speedpoint (SAF), 58.0, b c 4, Var (USA) – Cash Register (SAF) by Casey Tibbs (IRE)
3 – Chimichuri Run (SAF), 55.0, ch c 3, Trippi (USA) – Spiced Gold (SAF) by Kahal (GB)
Margins: 0.05, 1.00, 1.25
