Shimmering Gem sticks to his task (JC Photos)
A gallant front-running performance over the arduous Turffontein 3200m brought the curtain down on the Summer Cup day feature action with the Dynasty gelding Shimmering Gem going all the way in the staying feature.
S’manga Khumalo set off on a mission in the sixteen horse field that lined up to contest the R250 000 Gr Gauteng Racing Association Handicap.
He set out from the break and the rock solid 5yo never stopped galloping as he warded off one challenge after the next all the way to the winning post.
With De Kock’s consistent Kingston Mines going off a weak favourite at 5 to 1 and a former Gold Cup winner in the race, Shimmering Gem jumped an easy to back 11 to 1 and provided a major thrill to the host of Nassifs and Zackeys that are involved in his ownership.
Despite looking beaten and a little weary in the final stages, he soldiered on and held off Joey Soma’s Rodeo Sioux by 2,50 lengths in a time of 210,71 secs.
Kingston Mines ran on well for third, while last year’s winner Sky Rise ran into traffic but stayed on late to nab fourth cheque.
It was a great ride by S’manga Khumalo and he has formed an affinity with the 5yo.
This was Shimmering Gem’s sixth win from 19 starts for six places and R456 775 in stakes.
Shimmering Gem is bred to stay all day, being a son of Dynasty out of the three-time winning Rakeen mare, Brilliant Beryl.
He was bred by Highlands and looks to be double bonus value for his R60 000 National Yearling Sale price tag!
Watch him in the staying features – he must have more in the tank on this showing.
