Generalissimo (Sean Cormack) is too fast for Belong To Me (Anton Marcus)
A former course record holder over the Kenilworth 1200m, the Var colt Generalissimo can fly when in the mood and he gave his rivals a galloping lesson to win the R120 000 eThekwini Sprint at Greyville on July day. Dennis Drier trained the winner for the Jonsson family, whose silks were also carried to victory in partnership, by Ultimate Dollar in the tabGOLD 2200 earlier in the day.
Generalissimo smashed the course record (previously held by Captain’s Lullaby at 69,54 secs and La Passionata at 69,90 secs)during the Cape Summer of Champions Season, and even though that was subsequently lowered again by Joey Ramsden’s Brutal Force (clocking 69,16 secs) in the CTS Stakes in January, it showed that he can really get along smartly.
Under the lights on Saturday, and on the polytrack – a surface he loves – Generalissimo was never headed in the non black-type event as he led all the way under Sean Cormack and withstood a strong challenge from the favourite, Gr3 Tony Ruffel Stakes winner Belong To Me, to win by 0,75 lengths in a time of 68,83 secs.
The winner’s consistent stablemate Triptique flashed up late to grab third ahead of Forest Fox, who may be better over further.
The victory rounded off a superb day for his trainer Dennis Drier, who had earlier landed two Gr1 features.
A good-looking 3yo colt, Generalissimo has now won 5 of his 9 starts with 1 place for earnings of R296 325. Sean Cormack has been aboard at all of his wins.
He was bred by Hyjo Stud and is by Var out of the six-time winning Counter Action mare, Counterpoise.He was raised and sold by Haras Del Carmo.
Originally named Count On Var, he was purchased by Nick Jonsson for R350 000 on the 2013 KZN Yearling Sale.
