I’m Back! Gothic stays on best under S’manga Khumalo to register his second win (JC Photos)
There is never a shortage of news when Gothic is around it seems. The much maligned but very smart son of Silvano cruised to a smart win in the Pinnacle Stakes run over 2600m at Turffontein this afternoon.
Besides the fact that the win was some measure of vindication for his large band of owners after the disappointment of a poor run from a wide draw in the Vodacom Durban July last month, Phumelela also came in for their own share of stick.
In the post race interview the racing operator was implored by one of the happy owners to reconsider the fact that they had apparently given notice to Gothic’s trainer Kum Naidoo to vacate his boxes.
“I hope Phumelela will see that Kum is training winners,” said one of the owners, to a diplomatic and cool as cucumber Dave Mollett.
Gothic’s inclusion in the 2013 July final field had come under fire after sensational reports that his berth had been ‘guaranteed up front.’
His inclusion was also questioned by none other than SA champion trainer Mike De Kock, as he had come in as a one time winner, and then only of a workrider’s race.
A nice view of the jump. That is Gothic in the 9 gate (JC Photos)
De Kock said at the time :
“ Gothic ran in the Derby Trial also ahead of Rock Cocktail receiving 4 kg’s. It is stated that Rock Cocktail was excluded as he is yet to win a Stakes race so why is this thinking not applied to Gothic who won a Grooms Plate?? Rock Cocktail is placed at Gr 2 level with older horses and under sufferance with many of the VDJ leading contenders behind him. Gothic is placed at Gr 1 level restricted only to 3 year olds.”
Gothic had run from the worst draw in the July and finished over thirteen lengths behind the winner, Heavy Metal.
He relished the step down in class and the increase in the distance today, after Balse had ensured a good gallop for most of the trip.
Gothic hit the front at the 300m under a high riding Khumalo, and he went on to score by two lengths in a time of 163,87 secs
Gothic was saddled by Kum Naidoo’s assistant trainer, Candice Dawson.
Winning Form sponsored jockey S’manga Khumalo said that his mount had everything on his side and that he had ridden him confidently.
He quipped that he had ‘heard Robbie screaming’, in a reference to Robbie Fradd, who had experienced traffic problems in running on Mike Azzie’s Eastern Cobbler.
Khumalo is close to unstoppable after his July win and rode his third winner of the day.
Gothic looks to be a solid stayer in the making.
He has won 2 of 10 starts, with 5 places and stake earnings of R451 300.
He is a R700 000 Ready To Run graduate and is by Silvano out of the two time winning Badger Land mare, Mysterious Land.
He was bred by Judy Brannigan.
