Runaway! Captain’s Secret (Anthony Delpech) strides clear to win the Marula Sprint (NBT)
He has been around the block a few times, but Mike Bass’ enigmatic 6yo Captain’s Secret showed that he still has what it takes. The son of Captain Al romped home to beat the star 3yo Contador in the R100 000 Marula Sprint (NBT) run at Clairwood on Thursday.
The original eleven strong field was decimated by scratchings which saw only seven runners go to post for the non black type 1200m contest. But the quantity was made up for in terms of pure quality, with Charles Laird fielding four good sorts, all in the Jooste silks. Var’s son Contador has shown tremendous promise winning his last 3 starts and 4 of his 8 outings, and he was backed into even money on the expectation that he would register his fourth straight win.
But after coming out of the gates and cantering a few meters and having to be brought under control, things went awry. The pace was on from the break with Unannounced leading Tennesse Strategy and with the favourite in third.
At the 400m marker Captain’s Secret was five lengths off the lead and looking stronger as Contador came under early pressure. The race was over in a matter of strides as Delpech sent Captain’s Secret on his way and he bounced into a convincing lead at the 200m marker.
Captain’s Secret went on to win under a hand ride by 4,75 lengths in a time of 72,5 secs. The Laird runners filled the next four places. Contador courageously stayed on for second ahead of Unannounced and Northern Emperor.
Captain’s Secret went off at double figure odds in a small field and was difficult to find, coming off a rather haphazard programme that included the sand and being tried over a mile. But class and ability prevailed.
Captain’s Secret was bred by Anthony Maroun’s Stud and set Marsh Shirtliff and Bryn Ressell back a cool million at the National Sale of his year. He is out of the twice winning Our Casey’s Boy mare, She’s No Secret.
He is yet to recoup that outlay and clocked up R908 662 with this win. He has won six races from 42 starts with 17 places. Contador is too good to ignore and he will bounce back.
