‘He’s special.’ That was the word from the rampant Vaughan Marshall yard after the Cape team had registered a superb Scottsville Gr1 double courtesy of the Captain Al colt Always In Charge. The handsome athlete blew his opposition out of the water with an eyecatching display of power galloping to win the R600 000 Gr1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion.
Anton Marcus and Always In Charge storm clear to a facile win
Always In Charge was making his KZN debut after a smooth Kenilworth maiden win near the end of April and grabbed his chance to prove his value in a tricky nationally representative line-up, that included challengers of some repute.
This race was to prove Always In Charge’s acid test, and he passed it with flying colours – hardly being headed as his long stride carried him down the outside strip and clear of any interference.
Marcus appeared to give Always In Charge a breather at the 300m as the pacy filly Seattle Singer continued to plug away and came alongside.
At the 200m the race was only on for second as the 5-2 fancy Always In Charge continued to gallop powerfully and went on to win by three lengths in a time of 68,63 secs.
Corne Spies’ game filly Seattle Singer ran her usual exceptionally honest race to stay on for second, 1,50 lengths ahead of Gr1 SA Nursery placer, Rivarine.
Sean Tarry’s Red Rock overcame traffic issues and was outpaced early. The Seventh Rock colt caught the eye when coming through late for fourth cheque.
The 22-10 favourite Oomph, racing in the silks of his new owners, failed to carry his boom PE form forward and was never in the hunt – finishing fifth and 7,25 lengths behind. He may need further to show his ability and is surely worth another chance.
The previously unbeaten Horse Guards also produced a disappointing effort – finishing stone last.
Winning trainer Vaughan Marshall was thrilled and said that he was looking forward to Always In Charge going round the turn
Anton Marcus – full of praise for his mount
The Jooste retained rider Anton Marcus was full of praise for his colleague MJ Byleveld, who had ridden the Captain Al colt in his first two starts.
“MJ came to me when the horse arrived in Durban – he told me he was special. I have been riding him in work the last ten days or so. He is way above average,” said the usually conservative top jockey.
Purchased by Kerry Jack Bloodstock for R650 000 at the 2015 Emperors Palace Select Yearling Sale, Always In Charge was bred by Klawervlei Stud and is a son of Captain Al out of the well-related twice winning Polar Falcon mare, Polar Charge- a runner up in the Gr1 Italian Oaks.
The astute Kerry Jack summed Always In Charge up as an athletic specimen ‘with a beautiful catalogue page.’
Always In Charge has now won 2 from 3 after running second on debut behind the Oldlands Stud topseller, Moonrise Sensation.
He took his earnings to R436 875 with this victory and looks to be a very exciting prospect.
Based on this showing, together with the heads up from his work-riders, jockeys and trainer, he is a horse to be with – and should be even more effective over more ground.
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Gr1 Tsogo Sun Gold Medallion (SAf-Gr1)
Scottsville, South Africa, June 4, R600k, 1200m, turf, good, 1.08.63
1 – ALWAYS IN CHARGE (SAF), 60.0, b c 2, Captain Al (SAF) – Polar Charge (GB) by Polar Falcon (USA). Owner Mrs I Jooste & Mr M J Jooste; Breeder Klawervlei Stud; trainer VH Marshall; jockey A Marcus
2 – Seattle Singer (SAF), 57.5, b f 2, Sail From Seattle (USA) – Royal Drummer (SAF) by Kilconnel (USA)
3 – Rivarine (SAF), 60.0, b c 2, Var (USA) – River Jetez (SAF) by Jet Master (SAF)
Margins: 3.00, 1.50, 2.25
