Anger gets the better of the consistent Isobar to win the August Stakes 9JC Photos)
A genuine rags to riches story. That is the tale of a schizophrenic but talented galloper called Anger who probably deserves an unofficial Equus award as the most improved horse in training. He notched up his fifth win on the trot in just two months when winning the Gr3 August Stakes at the Vaal on Saturday and now lines up as a serious contender for top honours in the Emerald Cup at the end of September.
Trainer Corne Spies has done wonders with the 4yo Brazillian-bred colt who won on debut and then decided that racing was for the birds.
But a touch of genius and loving care by the Spies team has turned that all around and in five runs and five wins since the end of June, the colt (with one testicle removed because of discomfort) has shown that he is a mean racing machine, on the sand.
After having shrewdly built Anger’s confidence with three of his wins in the lesser arena of Kimberley, Spies stepped his charge up a notch or two and the son of Elusive Quality came through the test with flying colours.
The heavily bandaged Isobar tracked Anger all the way up the straight in the 1200m contest as the visitor Midnight Run also showed good pace.
Isobar came forward hard ridden and moved ahead of Anger at the 200m.
Full marks to trainer Corne Spies
But showing tremendous courage and fight, Fransie Naude got Anger to rally and he went past Isobar again and stayed on well to win by a half length in a time of 72,76 secs.
A thrilling finish and a great dress rehearsal for Africa’s richest sand race.
Piere Strydom rode a cracker to get Across The Ice across from the widest draw and onto the rail.
He ran on steadily for third and 6,50 lengths off the winner, without threatening the top two.
The KZN challenger Midnight Run (now trained by Mike Bass) was given every chance, but was a well beaten 7 length fourth.
His stablemate Global Express ran a shocker and finished stone last.
The day belonged to Anger, who was bred in Brazil by Stud TNT (Nom: Mr G B Torrealba).
He is by Elusive Quality out of the Thunder Gulch mare, Garota Do Leblon.
Anger has now won five on the trot and a total of 6 races with 1 place from his 13 starts.
He took his stake earnings to R434 000.
His trainer is convinced he could stay up to a mile and must thus be a serious Emerald Cup contender, if he draws well.
