Way To Go! River Crossing (Sean Cormack) powers clear to win the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup Handicap
Mike Bass’ fast improving Varsfontein Stud bred stayer River Crossing won the R250 000 Gr3 Lonsdale Stirrup Cup Handicap run over 2400m at Greyville on Saturday. In so doing, the 4yo gelding signalled his genuine Gold Cup credentials and looks to be going in the right direction for a big effort on Super Saturday.
The old Bass recipe of patience and more patience appears to have worked the magic yet again.
Nobody had heard of River Crossing prior to Champions Season 2013, and it is interesting to note that the gelding went into his last Cape start in the Gr3 Lektron Chairman’s Cup in February with an MR in the high 70’s. He has soared up the ratings tables since , winning the Highland Night Cup at his last start and could find himself in treble figures after this race.
On Saturday River Crossing showed that he is flourishing on the East Coast as he registered a second win from his three Champions Season starts in top style. Sean Cormack, who is riding with such confidence this season, rode a well judged race for trainer Mike Bass in the famous Marsh Shirtliff silks.
A field of ten stayers went to post, with plenty of betting interest in Mike De Kock’s Danehill Dancer mare Berry Blaze. River Crossing eventually jumped as the tote favourite.
River Crossing was never far off the action as Jeppe’s Reef ensured a decent gallop with Sage Throne and Penhaligon in close attendance.
Into the home run Jeppe’s Reef continued to gallop strongly as Penhaligon went for his run down the inside. Sean Cormack was monitoring proceedings closely as he produced River Crossing with a sustained burst.
After a minor duel, Rover Crossing stayed on best to win by a half length in a time of 149,15 secs
Penhaligon lost no credit in second after being prominent for a long way,while S’Il Vous Plait powered through too late for third, just ahead of a gallant Jeppe’s Reef.
The disappointments included Berry Blaze, who ran second last, while the disappointing Sage Throne finished a poor 11 length last. He cannot be fancied for any big prizes this season.
Varsfontein Stud bred River Crossing is by the recently deceased Caesour, out of the British bred Irish River mare, Rubicon, who is a two winner in France. Her next dam is a full sister to Machiavellian.
River Crossing was registering his fifth win from 19 starts, with 9 places.
He took his earnings to R433 450.
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Lonsdale Stirrup Cup (SAf-G3) (6/1) Greyville, South Africa, June 1, R250.000, 2400m, turf, good, 2.20.15. 1-RIVER CROSSING (SAF), 56.0, b g 4, Caesour (USA) – Rubicon (GB) by Irish River (USA). Owner WD Mealing, B Ressell, NM Shirtliff and SA Smorenburg; breeder Varsfontein Stud; trainer MW Bass; jockey S Cormack (R156.250) 2-Penhaligon (SAF), 55.0, gr c 4, Daylami (IRE) – Victoria Bay (SAF) by Coastal (USA) 3-S’il Vous Plait (SAF), 56.5, b c 5, Silvano (GER) – Shaan Madary (FRA) by Darshaan (GB) Margins: ½, ¾, nk
