We were reminded again that there is no such thing as a racing certainty when Tony Peter’s Grade 1 winning star Main Defender was forced to play second fiddle in a 1500m Pinnacle Stakes at the Vaal on Thursday.
Going off at 4-10, Main Defender was given every chance by the bang in-form Gavin Lerena, as he loped along out front early.
The competitive Muzi Yeni gets Melech to dig deep and beat Main Defender (Pic – JC Photos)
The situation started unravelling down the home straight as the 4yo came under pressure close to home, and Muzi Yeni floated Melech up down the hands on the inside.
Into the final 100m, Melech (33-10) shifted out slightly but comfortably held his quarter length advantage to the line, to clock 89,72 secs for the 1500m.
Gavin Lerena threw the reins and the kitchen sink at Main Defender, who had no answers.
The top jockey then had a look at the replay and lodged an objection against the winner on the grounds of interference. It was overruled. Be interesting to hear what our readers think!
The winner is raced by seasoned owner John Finlayson and was bred by Duncan and Natasha Riverton Stud.
A R220 000 BSA November 2yo Sale graduate, Melech has now won 7 races with 5 places from 17 starts for stakes of R720 625.
The 5yo is by Klawervlei kingpin William Longsword (Captain Al) out of the thrice winning Greys Inn mare, Pippi. The mare is now with Anton Shepherd at Beaumont Stud.
Melech’s year younger The United States half brother The US Of A (Richard Fourie) runs on WSB Cape Town Met day, where he bumps fellow Riverton products Rougarouin and Carriacou in the twelfth race, a World Sports Betting Class 4 over 1200m.
