MJ Byleveld gets Epsom Downs up in the final strides to win the Oaks Trial (JC Photos)
A sustained late effort by the Sean Tarry second stringer Epsom Downs proved good enough to grab victory in the shadow of the post from gallant longtime leader Withbatedbreath in the R150 000 Listed Oaks Trial run at Turffontein on Saturday.
Tarry continues to ride the crest of a wave with feature winners coming thick and fast.
S’manga Khumalo rode the more fancied of his duo in the Silvano filly Love Token, who appeared to not quite get the distance as she faded late in the race.
But Avontuur-sponsored jockey MJ Byleveld came to the party as he rode a determined race from way off the gallop, on the lightly exposed Epsom Downs who looks capable of developing into something special next season.
With a four-pronged attack representing the Mike Azzie and Gavin Van Zyl teams in the fourteen horse field, a decent pace was half assured and it was Van Zyl’s Withbatedbreath who took advantage of her positive break to lead.
The daughter of Fort Wood led Kissimee, with Love Token and Lemon Tea further back, and Hawker Hurricane running wide from her 8 draw.
Withbatedbreath continued to roll under Muzi Yeni as they came for home, while Byleveld got stuck into what looked like hard work on Epsom Downs who was stone last.
Khumalo moved quite early on Love Token as Withbatedbreath stretched her lead and these two looked set to fight things out.
But the complexion of the race changed dramatically in the final 250m as Epsom Downs appeared from nowhere down the outside as Love Token faded.
The Mauritzfontein-bred Withbatedbreath made it something of a family affair and was not stopping as looked set to register a hat-trick of wins.
But Byleveld had his head down and Epsom Downs nabbed the long-time leader on the line to win a cracker by a head in a time of 122,62 secs.
Great ride by MJ Byleveld
Gavin Van Zyl enjoyed a race of mixed emotions as he lost the big prize narrowly, but saddled second, third and fourth home.
The 12-10 favourite Love Token was not disgraced as she hung on for fifth.
Trainer Sean Tarry said he thought that Love Token would have gone closer.
“The distance may have caught her out. After her last win, we assumed she’d stay 2000m. This was a good win by Epsom Downs but I feel it would be crazy to go for the Oaks. She is still far behind. I am looking for a good 4yo career from her,” he said.
A winner of 2 races with 2 places from 4 races, Epsom Downs took her career earnings to R173 775.
Epsom Downs was bred by Wilgerbosdrift and is a daughter of the ill-fated Tiger Ridge out of the twice winning Shaamit mare Derby Strike.
She was purchased for R325 000 off the National Yearling Sale.
