Mike Miller trained Sheik’s Brashee storms home to win the Durban Dash
Jockey Anthony Delpech enjoyed a great day at the office at Clairwood on Sunday when booting home four winners for a strike rate of fifty percent on the afternoon. His quartet of winning rides included a polished effort in the R150 000 Durban Dash on Sheik’s Brashee, who is talented but also appears to have a mind of his own.
The American-based Robert and Robyn Muir have enjoyed plenty of success in South Africa with some big winners in their shocking pink and yellow silks and they would have been thrilled that a promising 3yo sprinting son of The Sheik (who they raced) came out firing on all cylinders on Sunday to win his biggest prize to date in the non black-type feature.
But despite being endowed with serious talent, the Mike Miller-trained gelding played a bit of Russian Roulette with the local stipes through some uncalled for movement in the final 300m of the race. In the end it was no train smash though and he was a deserved winner.
Anton Marcus had no hesitation in taking Pej to lead and the speedy daughter of Kahal led Aurum Pot with Gulf Storm further back.
At the 400m One Man’s Dream loomed dangerously as Gulf Storm upped the tempo with Sheik’s Brashee gaining momentum.
Inspector Casey appeared outpaced and battled to get involved but it was Sheik’s Brashee, who despite shifting in and out late, stormed home to withstand a fast finishing Gulf Storm by a half length in a time of 62,40 secs.
Sheik’s Brashee is led in by trainer Mike Miller
The runner-up had to switch late in the race after making contact with the winner and could turn the tables next time out, particularly over 100m further.
Alec Laird’s Gauteng visitor Aurum Pot stayed on well for third after being prominent for much of the trip.
The pacy 13 to 10 favourite Pej had every chance but faded late into a 3,75 length fourth.
Sheik’s Brashee has won 3 races with 6 places from 13 starts and R256 850 stakes.
He is by The Sheik out of the smart six-time winner Sleek Braashee (by Braashee ex Sleek Wine by Sleek Gold) and was bred by the Muirs.
Sheik’s Brashee was the third of Delpech’s four winners.
He also won the second on Mike De Kock’s promising 2yo Captain Al filly Pine Princess, the sixth on Neil Bruss’ Red Flame and finally the ninth race on James Goodman’s Jallad gelding, Aldric.
Durban Dash Stipes Report Excerpt:
BOLD VAR (M Byleveld) was difficult to load.
BOLD VAR (M Byleveld) and OLIVE LEAF (S Khumalo) were both slow into stride.
CAPE SUGARBIRD (A Mgudlwa) lost 1 length
PEJ (A Marcus) jumped outwards as the start was effected making contact with OLIVE LEAF (S Khumalo).
Approaching the 300 metre mark GULF STORM (G Hatt) and SHEIK’S BRASHEE (A Delpech) made contact resulting in GULF STORM (G Hatt) switching in off the heels of AURUM POT (*B Claassen) for a clear run.
OLIVE LEAF : Moderate post race distress.
CAPE SUGARBIRD : Moderate post race distress.
