A terrific tactical plan come together gave SA champion trainer Sean Tarry his first R1 million Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate victory when the Avontuur-bred Legal Eagle turned the prestigious mile into a royal procession.
Legal Eagle flies home under Anton Marcus to beat Legislate and Noah From Goa (Pic-Wayne Marks)
The Greys Inn gelding’s superb victory made a mockey of the general expert analysis of his ability over the distance – and of jockey Anton Marcus’s brave decision to ride him.
Marcus could hardly contain his ecstacy when interviewed at the pull-up by the lovely Fiona Ramsden, and he enjoyed the literal last laugh on those who had suggested he had to be ‘smoking something illegal’, to quote one wag, after getting off the champion proven miler Act Of War, to ride the SA Derby winner over a trip thought to be sharp for him.
“I am elated but I am so sorry at the same time that owner Markus (Jooste) could not be here. I really did have faith in Legal Eagle, even with a few questions raised after his last run – which was on the inside track. He showed today what he is capable of and we always felt that if he could reproduce his 120 rating, as he does on the outside course at Turffontein, he would be a big runner. I feel that we can put a line through his July run as there were excuses first time at Greyville. Today I followed Bouclette Top and didn’t really want to lead – even though I am sure we could have, had the need arisen,’’ he said with a broad smile.
Anton Marcus – confident ride
The brilliant jockey rode the 2013 Queen’s Plate winner Variety Club in the same silks, trained by Joey Ramsden.
South Africa’s highest rated horse at 120, Legal Eagle was having his final Met prep and was easy to back at 7-1, with last year’s winner Futura jumping at 15-10 after his recent fast-finishing Green Point Stakes second.
The fourteen strong field was sent on their way with Legal Eagle hopping out keenly from his 8 draw, before being passed by Charity Mile winner Bouclette Top after 200m.
Andrew Fortune had Act Of War placed in third, ahead of Legislate and Noah From Goa, with Futura relaxed two lengths behind.
Bouclette Top lead them for home, but at the 500m Legal Eagle was raring to go and tracked by Act Of War, Marcus made his move, as Futura ghosted through down the rail, looking full of running.
With 400m to go Legal Eagle continued to gallop powerfully and with Legislate staying on without threatening, Marcus kept the leader beautifully balanced and showing him a right-handed crop to score by 1,50 lengths in a time of 99,23 secs.
Justin Snaith, who saddled five winners on the day, as well as one away from home base at Turffontein, was magnanimous in defeat, suggesting it was no shame to be beaten by a horse of Legal Eagle’s ability.
Mike de Kock’s Cape Guineas winner Noah From Goa ran a gutsy race as the only 3yo, to finish 0,40 lengths behind Legislate, and holding out a determined late charge by Captain America, who scrambled into fourth.
Sean Tarry – first L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate winner
Horse Of The Year Futura’s flame flickered briefly in the straight but he had little to come when it really counted and found this a bit tougher than the class of 2015. He ran fifth and 3,90 lengths behind and will no doubt have his supporters for the Met, over 400m further.
Marcus’ original ride Act Of War ran a tame race, finishing sixth and 4,30 lengths off, with Sansui Summer Cup winner Master Sabina in a no-show seventh, 5,05 lengths behind.
Trainer Sean Tarry said afterwards that he was never confident of beating the likes of Future over a mile – but that he had not doubted his charge’s chances in terms of his prep and pure ability.
”Anton rode a great race and I was pleased to see we got the cover. The game plan changed a few times. But, hey, it worked out well. The 5 month break from racing has done him well. I must thank all my staff who headed up my team here. Thanks to Eric Sands for assisting us. And I’m thrilled to have gotten the open boxes – the Cape guys are missing something by not filling them,” he laughed.
Jooste Racing Manager Derek Brugman said that the Marcus jockey switch took ’48 hours of debating’. He congratulated Sean Tarry on a great training feat and thanked Milnerton trainer Eric Sands for his great work and help.
Legal Eagle is by Vodacom Durban July winner Greys Inn, who enjoyed a fine ‘double’ on the afternoon.
Greys Inn is a half brother to Good Judgement (Horse Chestnut), the dam of Smart Call, who won the Gr1 Paddock Stakes a half hour earlier.
Pippa Mickleburgh – triumphant breeder
The champagne corks were popping out at Avontuur, the local champion wine and winner producing outfit who bred Legal Eagle.
A quick scan of the statistics suggest they boast a 100% strike rate in this great race!
Legal Eagle is out of the six-time winning National Emblem mare Young Sensation, who was also trained by Sean Tarry.
The winner was bought by our champion trainer on behalf of top owner Markus Jooste for R425 000 at the 2013 National Yearling Sale.
The gelded Legal Eagle has now won 5 races with 2 places from 9 starts with stakes earned of R2 297 875.
And now for the Met, and a few outstanding matters of return matches and revenge.
After the outward political correctness and sportsmanship that reigned on one of our truly great racedays, there will be powerful teams regrouping for a renewed assault on the silverware on 30 January at the same venue.
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Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (SAf-Gr1)
Kenilworth, South Africa, January 9, R1 million, 1600m, turf, good, 1.39.23
1 – LEGAL EAGLE (SAF), 60.0, b g 4, Greys Inn (USA) – Young Sensation (SAF) by National Emblem (SAF). Owner Mrs I Jooste & Mr M J Jooste; Breeder Avontuur Farm; trainer SG Tarry; jockey A Marcus
2 – Legislate (SAF), 60.0, b h 5, Dynasty (SAF) – Champers (SAF) by Restructure
3 – Noah From Goa (SAF), 55.0, ch g 3, Tiger Ridge (USA) – Limerick (SAF) by Fort Wood (USA)
Margins: 1.50, 0.40, 1.00
