The Stipes made the correct call in the objection in Saturday’s Gr3 Hollywoodbets Matchem Stakes at Hollywoodbets Durbanville. That’s the opinion of an expert. And it’s pure coincidence that it was the second consecutive feature objection in seven days at the country course!
After the Hollywoodbets Settlers Trophy objection on Heritage Day, where a lack of communication was probably more of an issue than the outcome of the reversal of Somerset Maugham over Han Solo, Saturday’s objection outcome was more logical.
Trip Of Fortune (Domeyer) and Silver Operator Van Niekerk) go head to head to the line (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
After Silver Operator (Grant van Niekerk) had interfered with and unbalanced Trip Of Fortune (Aldo Domeyer) in the tightest of finishes, the Marshall galloper got the verdict by a nostril – but not unexpectedly a Stipe called for a race review and duly objected.
The official report states that at the 200m SILVER OPERATOR (G van Niekerk) shifted out, carried TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) outwards and made contact with TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) at the 100m. As a result TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) became momentarily unbalanced, shifted in and brushed SILVER OPERATOR (G van Niekerk) shortly before the finish.
Watch the replay here:
A member of the Stipendiary Board called a race review regarding this incident, which was followed by an Objection being lodged by him on behalf of the 2nd placed horse TRIP OF FORTUNE (A Domeyer) against the winner SILVER OPERATOR (G van Niekerk) on the grounds of interference in the latter stages.
The Objection Board, after giving due regard to the evidence put forward, reviewing the patrol films and giving consideration to the margin of 0,05 of a length between the two horses concerned, was of the opinion that but for the interference TRIP OF FORTUNE would have finished ahead of SILVER OPERATOR had this incident not occurred and therefore upheld the objection.
Racing expert Robert Bloomberg explained that, in his opinion the first incident was the telling one as at the 200m Silver Operator carried Trip Of Fortune outwards, and crucially made contact with him, which as a result unbalanced the Bass-Robinson runner, who then shifted in as a result of becoming unbalanced through that contact.
“Trip Of Fortune then brushed Silver Operator very close to the finish. It is very important to note that the second incident would not have happened if it were not for the first contact, which was of a far greater magnitude. The winning margin was a whisker, so it was undoubtedly the right call to uphold the objection in my opinion,” concluded Bloomberg.
Winning rider Aldo Domeyer is all smiles as Anthony Delpech and a Hollywoodbets hostess looks on (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Cape Racing reported that Trip of Fortune (Trippi) had run some outstanding races when pitched at a high level earlier in his career.
He now seems to be mentally stronger and genuinely keen to compete as a determined racehorse since a rest and gelding. Trainer Candice Bass Robinson deserves credit for her judicious handling of the Drakenstein Stud bred four-year-old – now a victor in six of 11 starts.
Both horses bought top quality 1400m form into the race. Six-year-old Silver Operator won the historic Drill Hall Stakes at Hollywoodbets Greyville during the KZN Winter season, whilst Trip of Fortune clinched the Cape Classic at three.
33/1 outsider, Looking for Hounds ran way above market expectations to secure the trifecta slot with pace setting grey, Russian Rock trying hard all the way to the line back in fourth.
All’s well that ends well. Well done Candice Bass-Robinson and her team on the four winners and a feature double on a great afternoon.
There should be plenty more duels between two of the Cape’s favourite sons, Aldo Domeyer and Grant van Niekerk, too – so plenty to look forward to!
