The extraordinary Cape Guineas legacy of a veteran trainer called Vaughan Marshall and a sire by the name of Captain Al took another giant step into the history books at Kenilworth on Saturday.
The undefeated One World showed he is the athlete we all believed him to be when staying on powerfully to win the R400 000 Gr2 Concorde Cup.
S’manga Khumalo concedes defeat on Chimichuri Run as Anton Marcus holds the advantage on One World (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
The race, formerly known as the Selangor Cup, has produced just five Guineas winners in 21 years with One World looking to follow in the illustrious hoofprints of Act Of War, Variety Club, Le Drakkar Jay Peg, Express Way and Alpha Omega en route to victory in South Africa’s premier classic on 15 December.
But it is his trainer’s superb record with the progeny of his 2000 Cape Guineas winning sire Captain Al that has gripped the public interest.
Vaughan Marshall saddled Captain Al sons William Longsword and Tap O’Noth to win the Cape Guineas in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
And he bids to make it three on the trot with One World – interestingly all three winners under different ownership.
Braam van Huyssteen and Jane Truter lead Anton Marcus in on their star (Pic – Chase Liebenberg Photography)
On Saturday, Marcus got One World out from his 9 draw in a field of 10 and had the smart colt dictating matters after 450m. He never relinquished the lead from thereon in.
At the 300m, S’manga Khumalo cheekily challenged on the gutsy chestnut Chimichuri Run.
But with whip in the left hand and for a moment looking as if he may be on the brink of a memorable victory, Khumalo conceded defeat two strides from the post as One World, dwarfing the hard chasing Joburg challenger, galloped relentlessly all the way to the line to hold his adversary to a half length in a time of 96,33 secs.
Cape Classic winner Twist Of Fate never tried to cut throats with favourite and was not able to get into a leading position today. With different riding tactics, HE came out of the pack to grab third 1,75 lengths back.
The rest were simply outclassed and may be looking to take their chances in the Derby as an alternative route to classic success,
A Klawervlei bred son of Captain Al (Al Mufti), the winner is out of the UK placed Aquilonia (Giant’s Causeway). He races in the interests of NHA Chairman Ken Truter and his wife Jane, as well as Etienne Braun and Braam van Huysteen.
A R425 000 Cape Premier Yearling Sale graduate, One World took his tally to 5 wins from 5 starts for stakes of R536 250.
Kenilworth Racing may want to consider extending an invite to Mike de Kock. The manner of his Silvano colt Hawwaam’s victory in the Dingaans at Turffontein, suggests a clash between the two could be a major crowd-puller at Kenilworth on 15 December.
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Gr2 Concorde Cup (SAf-Gr2)
Kenilworth, South Africa, November 24, R400k, 1600m, turf, good, 1.36.33
1 – ONE WORLD (SAF), 60.0, b c 3, Captain Al (SAF) – Aquilonia (USA) by Giant’s Causeway (USA). Owner Messrs E A Braun, K P Truter & A J van Huyssteen & Mrs Jane Truter; Breeder Klawervlei Stud; trainer VH Marshall; jockey A Marcus
2 – Chimichuri Run (SAF), 60.0, ch c 3, Trippi (USA) – Spiced Gold (SAF) by Kahal (GB)
3 – Twist Of Fate (SAF), 60.0, b c 3, Master Of My Fate (SAF) – Crescent Lily (SAF) by Counter Action (SAF)
Margins: 0.50, 1.75, 2.75
