Trainer Brett Crawford added some respectability to a competitive and tough day at the office at Kenilworth on Saturday, when the improving Captain Al gelding Search Party led all the way to score his biggest win to date.
Search Party downed a good field in the R400 000 Gr2 Cape Merchants.
Corne Orffer drives Search Party out to a good win (Piic Wayne Marks)
After the scratching of Red Ray and Real Princess, Search Party had plenty of supporters and started a 7-2 joint favourite with boom KZN 3yo Hack Green, in a race where he was asked to carry just 52kgs.
With the field reduced to 17, they split into two groups, with Search Party leading the smaller inside group and Victorious Jay carrying the flag for the outside troop.
Corne Orffer – nicely judged ride
With ears pricked, Search Party was relishing his role out front and he never looked in danger of being overwhelmed.
It was a brave performance from the son of Captain Al and demonstrated his versatility, being in stark contrast to his preferred style of racing from off the gallop.
Despite late threats from Victorious Jay and Silicone Valley, Search Party galloped strongly and held on well to rebuff the late challenges to win by a half length in a time of 71,54 secs.
The quartet was dominated by Captain Al and Jay Peg – who sired first and third, and second and fourth respectively.
The very lightly raced 6yo Silicone Valley maintained his consistent form profile to bank the R80 000 second cheque.
Piere Strydom produced Captain Alfredo from some way off to run on well for third and 2,10 lengths behind, with Victorious Jay a head away in fourth.
Dual Merchants winner Tevez, now a 7yo, ran a game race to get fifth.
Brett Crawford saddled winner
Dennis Drier’s Hack Green improved slightly to run 3,90 lengths behind, while his hometown contemporary Gunner was well beaten.
Trainer Brett Crawford confirmed that Search Party’s last win when beating Gr1 star Real Princess had been impressive.
“He’s a lovely big strong horse and came in better off than a few here,” he said.
SMG Cape Town and Vasco’s Taverna sponsored Corne Orffer said that he had allowed Search Party to use his ‘beautiful stride’ out front.
“He was just loafing in front. I wanted him to have some company but it didn’t quite work out. Nevertheless, as soon as they got to me he quickened up smartly again,” he confirmed
A R450 000 National Yearling Sale purchase, Search Party was recording his biggest career success to date.
He has won 4 races with 5 places from 11 starts for stakes of R489 300.
Search Party was bred by Ascot Stud and is a son of Captain Al out of the Pennekamp mare, Princess Magdalena – a half sister to Vodacom Durban July dead-heater, Dancer’s Daughter.
He looks a natural successor to Delma and Lance Sherrell’s good sprinter Gulf Storm, who also raced with success in the black and white strip.
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Gr2 Cape Merchants (SAf-Gr2)
Kenilworth, South Africa, December 3, R400k, 1200m, turf, good, 1.11.59
1 – SEARCH PARTY (SAF), 52.0, b g 4, Captain Al (SAF) – Princess Magdalena (GB) by Pennekamp (USA). Owner Mrs D J Sherrell; Breeder Ascot Stud; trainer BJ Crawford; jockey C Orffer
2 – Silicone Valley (SAF), 56.5, b g 6, Jay Peg (SAF) – Prize Collection (SAF) by Model Man (SAF)
3 – Captain Alfredo (SAF), 57.0, b g 5, Captain Al (SAF) – Zooming Zellie (USA) by King Of Kings (IRE)
Margins: 0.50, 2.00, 0.10
