The Mike Bass team pulled off a superb raiding feature double at Fairview on Friday with their long-time colleague and friend Justin Snaith having to play second fiddle in both races. Grant Van Niekerk was in peak form and rode both Bass winners.
Grant van Niekerk steers Brilliant Crimson to an emphatic win (Pic – Coastal Photos)
The dominance of the Cape horses and the easy pickings in the Friday features down in the Eastern Cape has long been a point of debate, with the locals accepting the outside competition in a sporting spirit. The trend was maintained with Bass beating Snaith in both the features.
The R150 000 Listed East Cape Guineas attracted a field of eleven, which included another Milnerton raider in Greg Ennion’s 2015 Gr3 Cape Classic winner Eighth Wonder, who was far and away the highest rated runner, and went off a 2-1 favourite.
Alan Greeff’s second-stringer Rhumba Beat tore off to set a dynamic gallop four lengths ahead of Paulus, with Star Chestnut and Dragon Flame further back.
Grant Van Niekerk had jumped Brilliant Crimson a length slow from his widest draw and the son of Trippi was last of the lot turning for home.
Star Chestnut ranged up strongly at the 350m marker as Welsh Emperor wound up down the inside rail as he looked for his best finish.
Grant Van Niekerk – riding the crest of a wave
But coming from last, Brilliant Crimson burst through a small gap down the centre and stormed clear to win going away by 1,75 lengths in a time of 98,32 secs.
It was a dramatic win by the gelding who was returning from a 13 week break.
Star Chestnut was hard ridden and managed to hold on for second ahead of the consistent Welsh Emperor.
Star Chestnut’s trainer Justin Snaith had some consolation with S’manga Khumalo riding a minor race double for the yard.
The fit-as-a-fiddle local hope Fly Like The Wind failed to produce his customary kick, but secured fourth ahead of the fancied Eighth Wonder, who produced a disappointing first effort at Fairview.
Pacemaker Rhumba Magic faded right out of things, while Paulus finished tailed off in a rare poor run.
Mike Bass – great feature double
Brilliant Crimson races in the Jooste silks in partnership with Marsh Shirtliff and Bryn Ressell .
He was bred in a partnership by Highlands and Georgina Jaffee and is a gelded son of Trippi out of the classy racemare, Crimson Blossom, a daughter of Danehill Dancer. Crimson Blossom’s seven wins included the Gr3 Final Fling Stakes.
Brilliant Crimson was no cheapie – he cost R1,3 million on the Cape Premier Yearling Sale Book 1 and took his career earnings to R174 925.
Judging on the fighting spirit and turn of foot he showed here, he looks to have ample scope for good improvement and is very likely to build on his 2 wins with 4 places from 9 starts.
Gavin Smith saddled both Bass winners.
S’manga Khumalo was the most successful rider on the day, while the Snaith and Bass teams shared the training honours with a double apiece.
Paarl-based Glen Kotzen also found the winner’s box with the relatively long struggling maiden Magic Ice putting it all together to win the second race.
