An early decision to geld the beautifully bred Sir David Baird looks set to pay handsome dividends after the son of Dynasty led all the way for a facile win in the R150 000 Listed KZN Guineas Trial at a rare Saturday Greyville turf meeting.
Gavin Lerena in relaxed mode on Sir David Baird (Pic – Gold Circle / Candiese Marnewick)
The no- nonsense Mike de Kock explained some months ago that Sir David Baird is a big, heavy horse and he was becoming problematic to train and was going unsound.
“So gelding was the only option. His owner Mike Rattray understands that trying to make a stallion is a mug’s game so he was fully in agreement that we should geld this one. He’s a nice horse and we’re hoping he’ll go on with it and have a nice career.”
After drawing wide in the The Dingaans, De Kock made the decision to take a softer route and build the youngster’s confidence. He took on seven rivals in the hands of Gavin Lerena and the result was never in doubt as Sir David Baird drew away to beat Garth Puller’s Ryker by 4,25 lengths in a time of 98,63 secs.
Mike de Kock said afterwards that they were disappointed that he had been beaten twice over 1400m.
Mike and Norma Rattray
“It’s is a difficult distance. But Mr Rattray has left us alone since we bought the horse. He is above average and this. good win will get his confidence back.”
Gavin Lerena said that the choice was not to to lead. “There was no pace on and it worked out well. He just got stronger as the race went on and he almost landed up taking me for a lap of honour,” he laughed.
The Cheveley Stud product is from one of the best old Koster Brothers families. He is a son of Dynasty (Fort Wood) out of the five-time winning Oceana (Elliodor).
A R1,3 million National Yearling Sale buy by Mike de Kock and Form Bloodstock’s Jehan Malherbe on behalf of Mike Rattray, Sir David Baird has won 2 of his 4 starts with a place and stakes of R181 325,
