Andrew Fortune salutes in joy as Champagne Haze storms to victory (Pic: JC Photos)
Trainer Gary Alexander has another top horse again after high class Pierre Jourdan’s brother, Champagne Haze proved best in the R2.5 million Cape Thoroughbred Sales Emperors Palace Ready To Run Cup over 1400m at Turffontein on Saturday.
Champagne Haze received heavy betting action shortening from 4-1 into 5-2, and under a perfect rail-skimming ride by jockey Andrew Fortune was too strong for hitherto unbeaten 13 – 10 favourite, Rabada.
The runner up got caught out deep, hardly surprising given a tough draw of 16, and though trying to rally in the centre of the long straight could not menace Alexander’s bay hero, eventually finishing three lengths adrift.
The effervescent Fortune, who can never be accused of lacking confidence, said afterwards, “On his work when sprinting up on Thursday I knew he could not lose.” The hard-working hoop had drawn a blank the previous day on his relentless round- the- country schedule to minor centres, but was unconcerned, “That doesn’t count, because I’ll win a R2.5 million race tomorrow!” he had prophesied. “I’m so glad for Alexander to have a big horse again – it is a pleasure working for him and this great team.”
Gary Alexander – another big horse
Alexander revealed, “I liked him at the sale – and can tell Mick now that we had a fund up to 500K but we got him for 280K. He breeds lots of nice horses.” The Gauteng trainer has endured difficult spells, prompting a gracious acknowledgement to loyal patrons, “My owners have supported me through the bad times…”
Such downers are inevitable in this roller coaster game, but Alexander bounced back in no uncertain terms when also claiming third and fourth spot in the richly endowed incentive race.
Former PE-based outsider King Of Chaos made good progress on the inside rail for third with Duke Nukem keeping going for the quartet slot after racing handy.
The victorious connections include Messrs JF and LMF Wernars, Pravin Chetty, BG Gardner, AB Giuricich, J Labuschagne, GP Sadie, DA Simpson and Mesdames JP Gardner and AP Whicher. Based on this dominant performance by Champagne Haze, the future looks bright for their scopy youngster.
The winner, purchased at the CTS Johannesburg RTR Sale for R280 000, is by Kahal out of the four-time winner Vin Fizz and was bred at Mickey Goss’ Summerhill Stud.
He took his scorecard to 3 wins with 2 places from 5 starts and gross stakes earned to R1 379 800.
